Head On Crash On Hwy 18

On 12/21/2019 at 12:03PM the Oregon State Police received a report of a two head-on vehicle collision on hwy-18 near the intersection of N. Bear Creek Road. The collision occurred, when the driver of a dark-gray Honda Accord was westbound approaching the intersection. There were additional uninvolved vehicles in front of the Honda stopped in the westbound lane of hwy-18 at the N. Bear Creek Road. The driver of a white Dodge Caravan was eastbound on hwy-18 and had passed the intersection the Honda attempted to avoid collision with the cars ahead, and swerved into the Caravans lane.

The front of the Honda struck the front of the Dodge. Both vehicle’s sustained heavy front end damage. Fire and medical personnel responded to the scene and three occupants were transported via ambulance to the Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. The involved drivers were later contacted and interviewed at the hospital. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the operator of the Honda identified as 60-year old Xiu Z. Lin of Salem was issued a violation citation for Careless Driving. Hwy-18 was closed for traffic in the area for approximately 1.5 hours. ODOT units assisted and diverted traffic along N. Northbank Road.