Driver Escapes Hay Truck Crash with Minor Injuries

The northbound lane and a portion of the southbound lane were blocked but traffic was able to get around crash scene.

Photo of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(BURNS, Ore.) - A commercial truck transporting hay crashed Tuesday afternoon south of Burns on Highway 205 resulting in minor injuries to the driver and a three hour highway blockage.

Sergeant Brian Williams with Oregon State Police in Burns, says that around 5:00 p.m., a commercial motor vehicle transporting alfalfa hay was northbound on Highway 205 near milepost 55 negotiating a left curve when a tire blew on the first trailer.

"This caused the combination of vehicles to leave the roadway on the right side of the highway. The tractor and first trailer rolled onto their right side and the second smaller trailer broke free, landing in a water filled canal," Williams said.

"The northbound lane and a portion of the southbound lane were blocked but traffic was able to get around crash scene."

A small diesel spill and oil spill were contained to the immediate area around the tractor. The truck's driver, 40-year old Christopher Thompson of Christmas Valley, was taken by ambulance to Harney District Hospital with minor injuries.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Burns work site are completing the investigation. Harney County Sheriff's Office, Harney EMS, ODOT and local ranchers assisted at the scene.