Serious Accident Linn Co., June 20

On June 17, 2017 at approximately 9:00 p.m., Oregon State Troopers and emergency workers responded to a three-vehicle serious injury crash on Highway (Hwy) 20 near milepost (MP) 76 (just east of the Hwy 20/126 junction). Preliminary investigation revealed vehicle #1, 2016 Kia Optima, was travelling eastbound at a high rate of speed. The driver of vehicle #1 was unable to control the vehicle and crossed into the westbound lane. Vehicle #2, 2016 Kia Sorento, was traveling westbound. The driver of vehicle #2 was able to avoid the collision by driving the vehicle into a ditch. Vehicle #1 then crashed, almost head-on, into westbound vehicle #3 (a 2014 Ford Focus). Two passengers of vehicle #1 and the driver of vehicle #3 were air transported to St. Charles in Bend in serious condition. The driver and passenger of vehicle #2 were not injured. On June 18, 2017, Salvador Marcelo Blas turned himself into the Bend Oregon State Police Office as the driver of vehicle #1. Salvador Marcelo Blas was lodged in Linn County. Charges have been filed accusing him of Assault III (x3), Reckless Driving and Fail to Perform Duties of a Driver. The highway was partially closed until approximately 4:00 a.m. All indications show seatbelts were in use by occupants.