Oregon Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 58 east of Oakridge
One person was killed after the vehicle he was operating crossed into the opposite lane on Highway 58 about twelve miles east of Oakridge and collided with a commercial truck. The truck's driver was pulled to safety by another commercial driver after the truck caught fire following impact. The victim's next of kin in Georgia have been notified.
On December 11, 2007 at approximately 10:40 a.m. a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Marchbank Ashton Felchin II, age 23, from Gulf Shores, Alabama, was westbound on Highway 58 near milepost 48 rounding a sweeping left curve when it crossed into the eastbound lane into the path of a 2002 Freightliner pulling a flatbed semi-trailer operated by Jerry Dean Smith, age 55, from Monroe. Smith steered to the right shoulder to avoid the Nissan but both vehicles collided nearly head-on.
The impact caused the Nissan to spin around to the north shoulder where it rolled at least once. Felchin was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Freightliner truck and semi-trailer overturned, trapping Smith inside the cab as it caught fire. A truck driver from the same company, Doug Hudson Trucking Company out of Monroe, was following Smith when the crash occurred. Maynard M. McCaul, age 53, from Junction City, stopped, kicked out a window and pulled Smith to safety.
Smith was transported to an unidentified hospital for an evaluation.
Oregon State Police troopers from the Oakridge work site are continuing the investigation. Speed and failure to drive on the right side of the highway are possible contributing factors in this crash.
ODOT, Oakridge Fire Department and a hazardous materials response crew assisted at the scene. All lanes were closed for about 3 1/2 hours before one lane was opened to traffic. All lanes were opened by about 3:30 p.m.
If you or your loved one have been in an accident that involved a serious injury, know your legal rights by contacting the nearest Accident Attorney.
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