Fatal on Hwy. 38, Oct. 24

Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a commercial motor vehicle crash on Hwy 38 mile post 21, near Scottsburg in Douglas County, Monday, Oct. 22. Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 9:45 PM. a 2012 Kenworth truck towing double fuel tanks was westbound on Hwy 38 when it struck a large black cow standing in the roadway.  Vehicle lost control and traveled off the roadway and struck a power pole.  The operator of the truck sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cow is deceased. The commercial motor vehicle was carrying 7500 gallons of gasoline and 2500 gallons of diesel fuel.  An unknown amount of each substance has leaked out of the tanks.  Hazmat/cleanup crews are on scene assessing the amount of the leak and the environmental impact.  The 2012 Kenworth truck was operated by Charles Stephens (59) from Eugene.