Hwy. 26 Fatal, Clatsop Co., March 11

On Thursday, March 10, 2022 at approximately 9:13 AM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26 near milepost 8. Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound white Peterbilt CMV towing a flatbed trailer, operated by Joseph Arient (46) of Longview, Washington, crossed over eastbound lanes and went off the roadway. The truck struck a tree and rolled onto its side. The truck is owned by Builders Supply and the flatbed trailer was loaded with trusses at the time of the crash. Arient sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Hwy 26 was reduced to one lane for over 6 hours. OSP was assisted by Hamlet Fire and ODOT.