Serious Accident on Hwy. 18, Jan. 10

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoon’s two vehicle traffic crash that seriously injured two adults and a child on Highway 18 about fourteen miles east of Otis in Polk County. OSP is asking for any witnesses who have not spoken to an investigating trooper to contact our Department. Preliminary investigation indicates on January 8, 2014 at approximately 4:18 p.m., a 2005 Chevrolet Astro van driven by JOSHUA D. LESMEISTER, age 28, from Tenino, Washington, was eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 15. For an undetermined reason at this time, the Chevrolet van crossed into the westbound lane and collided nearly head-on with a 2008 Honda Civic driven by MEGAN K. GOSS, age 34, from Portland. Both vehicles came to rest blocking the highway. Emergency responders from OSP, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, West Valley Fire District, Pacific West Ambulance Service, and ODOT responded to the scene. Following extrication of injured persons, LESMEISTER was taken by REACH air ambulance to Oregon Health & Science University. He was driving a van registered to Harris Electrical out of Seattle, Washington. MEGAN GOSS was taken by Pacific West Ambulance to Salem Hospital. Her 18-month old daughter was taken by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. All injuries were serious but believed to be non-life threatening. Airbags in both vehicles deployed, the adults were in safety restraints, and the child was in a child safety seat.