Three people seriously hurt in van-semi collision on Highway 26 north of Madras

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Three people were seriously injured when a van collided nearly head-on with a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 26 north of Madras Monday morning.

According to Oregon State Police, a Chrysler van was heading east near milepost 112 around 6:20 a.m. when the driver drifted into the westbound lane and the path of a Freightliner truck.

The two vehicles collided nearly head-on, troopers said. The van came to rest on the eastbound shoulder and the semi off the eastbound shoulder.

The van driver and three passengers were taken to St. Charles Madras with serious injuries, troopers said. The truck driver also was taken to the hospital with possible injuries. OSP did not disclose names or other details.

The crash shut down the highway for about four hours, OSP said. Both vehicles were towed by Prince's Towing, and SMAF Environmental was called out to clean up a diesel spill.

ODOT, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson County Fire and EMS assisted at the crash scene, according to OSP.