Three People Seriously Injured in Early Morning Crash

Salem-News.com

(GRAND RONDE) - Three people were seriously injured and another received minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning on Highway 18 about 3 miles west of Grand Ronde.

Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings says just after 5:30 AM, a Toyota Celica driven by 39-year old Craig Olson was eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 19 when it came up behind another eastbound vehicle.

The Toyota moved into the westbound lane to pass at the same time there was a westbound Pontiac two-door approaching.

Police say Olson lost control and the vehicle went broadside where it was struck in the passenger side by the Pontiac, causing Olson to receive critical injuries.

He was transported by Life Flight to Oregon Health Sciences University.

The Pontiac's driver, 43-year old William T. Rouillard of Lincoln City, was seriously injured and taken by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

A passenger in the right, front seat of the Pontiac, 31-year old Damion Dufault of Junction City, was seriously injured and taken by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Another passenger in the Pontiac, a 4-year old boy, received minor injuries.

All three Pontiac occupants were using safety restraints, but the child was not in a child safety or booster seat. The vehicle's airbag deployed.

Both were transported by ambulance to McMinnville Hospital.

Oregon State Police troopers from the McMinnville Area Command, assisted by Polk County Sheriff's Office, are continuing the investigation.