Log truck and semi collide, close Highway 20 east of Bend; here’s what authorities say happened
Barney Lerten
(Update: Adding video, more details)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A crash involving a semi-truck and a loaded log truck caused no serious injuries but closed U.S. Highway 20 east of Bend for nearly two hours Tuesday morning, authorities reported.
Only a minor injury were reported from the crash, which happened around 8:30 a.m. near the highway’s intersection with Rickard Road, Oregon State Police told KTVZ News.
Troopers said both trucks were heading west and the log truck driver, a 61-year-old man from Mount Vernon, Oregon, was slowing to make a left-hand turn onto Rickard Road, heading south.
The Bi-Mart semi driver, a 62-year-old Springfield man, came up on the log truck and believed it was having a mechanical issue, OSP said. The semi driver later told troopers he thought the other semi had its hazard lights on.
Because he believed the log truck was becoming disabled, the semi driver said he decided to pass it – and when the first driver tried to turn left onto Rickard Road, it was struck by the approaching semi.
The log truck driver suffered minor injuries, OSP said, and the other driver was issued a warning.
OSP said Consolidated Towing removed both trucks from the scene. ODOT reported that the road was fully reopened by about 10:15 a.m.