Five-semi crash shuts Hwy. 97 for nearly 4 hours

Chain-reaction collisions on icy Klamath County road; no injuries

CHILOQUIN, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A five-semi-truck crash in icy road conditions Saturday night closed U.S. Highway 97 about 30 miles north of Klamath Falls for nearly four hours, Oregon State Police reported Sunday.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the collisions, which occurred around 8:35 p.m. near milepost 244, troopers said.

The first semi driver lost control on the icy road and crashed into a guardrail, then was hit by a second semi, which in turn was hit by a third, OSP reported. That fourth semi hit the second in the crash and yet another semi-truck.

Chi-Town and Ace towing companies, fire personnel and ODOT responded to assist, troopers said.

During the recovery of one of the semis, a large Douglas fir fell onto it, as well as on another truck's trailer.

Despite major damage to all five vehicles, as well as the guardrail, no injuries were reported, troopers said.

All of the truck/trailers were able to be slowly driven to the Crater Lake Travel Center.