Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident North of Madras

Oregon State Police is continuing the investigation into the cause of this fatal traffic crash.

Salem-News.com

(MADRAS, Ore.) - A Clackamas-area woman died and six others were injured Sunday night in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26 north of Madras.

According to Oregon State Police, a 2001 Ford F150 pickup driven by 45-Todd Rhoden of Redmond, was eastbound on Highway 26 near NW Boise Drive at about 10:00 PM Sunday, when it collided with the left front corner and side of a westbound 1995 Toyota Previa van driven by 38-year old Elizabeth Jean Duke from Clackamas.

After impact, the van came to a stop on the westbound shoulder and the pickup stopped in the westbound lane.

Elizabeth Duke was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her husband and son were transported to Mountain View Hospital in Madras. 39-year old Paul Duke received minor injuries, and 7-year old Jacob Duke received serious injuries.

Rhoden was transported to Mountain View Hospital and has reportedly been treated and released.

The pickup passengers were identified as 36-year old Michelle Hale, 17-year old Tamara Hale, and 17-year old Taryn Gibson.

The three passengers are from Redmond and declined transport for medical evaluation.

Safety restraint use is pending confirmation by investigating troopers.

OSP troopers from the Madras Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Madras Police Department, Madras Fire Department, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Highway 26 was closed 5 1/2 hours during the investigation.