On January 1, 2018, at approximately 2:35 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers from the Springfield Area Command responded to a single vehicle fatal crash on Hwy 126E near milepost 48.5. The preliminary investigation indicates a green Nissan Pathfinder was traveling eastbound when for an unknown reason it lost control and crossed over the westbound lane of travel and off the roadway before striking a tree and catching on fire. The unidentified single occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding fire and medical personnel. The follow up investigation is being conducted by Oregon State Police crash reconstruction personnel. Hwy 126E was closed intermittently to one lane of travel while Oregon State Police Troopers conducted the reconstruction. Oregon State Police Troopers are actively working to identify the driver and notify the family.
