Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing this afternoons investigation into a single vehicle fatal crash on Highway 221 in Polk County. Names of those involved will be provided in an updated release once next of kin notifications are made. On February 10, 2016 at approximately 2:00 p.m. OSP troopers and emergency responders were dispatched to Highway 221 near milepost 14 for a reported single vehicle fatal crash. Once on scene, troopers determined that a Sport Utility Vehicle, operated by an adult female, was southbound when it left the roadway and collided into a telephone pole on the southbound shoulder. The right front passenger in the Sport Utility Vehicle, also an adult female, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female operator was transported by ground ambulance to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. Troopers are looking into the possibility that the operator of the Sport Utility Vehicle swerved in an attempt to miss a vehicle that was in its lane. Troopers and other Law Enforcement searched the area for the other involved vehicle without success. OSP troopers from both the Salem and McMinnville Area Commands are continuing the investigation. OSP encourages any witnesses to the crash contact Recruit Trooper Jason Robb of the Salem Area Command at 503-378-3387. Seatbelt usage is undetermined. The highway was closed for approximately four (4) hours during the investigation. Detours were set up by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
