The Oregon State Police is releasing additional information related to the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 on October 19, 2022. – Initial estimates of involved vehicles have not changed. Total numbers of involved vehicles may not ever be fully known. Upon dropping the cable barrier to allow first responders ingress/egress, many drivable vehicles within the crash zone drove over the barrier and left the scene. 4 subjects were transported to area hospitals, one in serious condition. The name of the single fatality is being released: Phillip Frye (29) of Portland. Original release – On October 19, 2022, around 8:00 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 5 between milepost 228 and 211. Interstate 5 southbound is completely blocked with a detour in place. Interstate 5 northbound is open but moving slowly. The freeway is expected to be closed most of the day. Preliminary estimates of involved vehicles are 15 to 20 Commercial Motor Vehicles and 45 passenger vehicles with one confirmed fatality. The Oregon Department of Transportation has temporarily dropped the cable barrier to detour vehicles caught in the gridlock on Interstate 5. School buses from Eugene have also arrived on the scene to assist in relocating 30-40 stranded motorists to Pioneer Villa at exit 216. DEQ and HAZMAT are responding to approximately 6 of the CMVs that are leaking fluids onto the roadway. Several public safety agencies are assisting. Members of the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are on the scene. For current information about detours and when the roadway will be re-open, call 511 or www.tripcheck.com
