Injured driver charged in Hwy. 26 Madras head-on crash

MADRAS, Ore. - A seriously injured driver faces DUII and reckless driving charges after his SUV crossed into the oncoming lane of Highway 26 in Madras late Saturday night and collided head-on with a semi-truck, Oregon State Police reported.

Troopers responded shortly after 11 p.m. to the reported head-on crash on the highway near Jefferson Street, said OSP Sgt. Michael Berland.

They found a silver 2011 Hyundai SUV had been heading east when the driver crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a Freightliner semi, Berland said.

Jefferson County



Fire and EMS cut the wreckage away to free the trapped SUV driver, who was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend with serious injuries, the sergeant said. The semi driver was unhurt.

The crash closed Highway 26 for about 45 minutes for investigation and clean-up and to remove the two vehicles, Berland said.

OSP believes alcohol was a contributing factor to the crash, Berland said.

The names of the two male drivers involved have not yet been released.

Others assisting on scene included the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Madras Police Department and ODOT