Crash North of Eugene Leaves Man Critically Injured

One man was ejected from his car by the force of the crash.

Crash scene north of Eugene Friday: Oregon State Police Full size photos at bottom of story

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police are investigating a Friday morning two-vehicle crash on Highway 99W north of Eugene that left a Eugene-area man critically injured. Police say the other involved driver was operating his pickup with suspended driving privileges and was not injured.

The crash happened at 7:07 AM when a 1996 Ford Ranger pickup driven by 33-year old Kenneth T. Ford of Springfield, was northbound on Highway 99W in the left lane approaching the intersection with E. Enid Road, according to State Police Spokesman Greg Hastings.

"A 1990 Toyota Corolla two-door driven by 74-year old Clair Starr of Eugene, was stopped at a stop sign and then attempted to cross Highway 99W from east to west. The Ford Ranger pickup's right front corner crashed into the Toyota's left front corner."

Hastings says that after impact, both vehicles came to rest blocking the northbound lanes.

"Starr was not using safety restraints and was ejected from his car. He was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center where he is in critical condition," he added.

The driver of the pickup, Kenneth Ford, was not injured. He was using safety restraints and his pickup's airbag deployed.

The lead investigator on the case, OSP Trooper Jered McLain, cited Ford for Driving While Suspended and Driving Uninsured.

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OSP troopers from the Springfield Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Assistance at the scene provided by Lane County Sheriff's Office, Lane Rural Fire Department, Santa Clara Fire Department, Eugene Fire Department, and ODOT.

Northbound lanes were closed about three hours.