Fatal Crash on Highway 22 (UPDATE)

Police say Highway 22 East of Salem is very slick with ice. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving and should remember that shaded areas can be icy.

(MILL CITY) - At approximately 1:35 PM today, two Portland Area Residents died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22 near Mill City Thursday afternoon. An off-duty medic at the crash scene and reported the fatalities at 1:35 PM. Several state police units from the Salem Area Command responded to the scene where they confirmed that the two occupants in one of the vehicles were deceased.

The investigation revealed that a 2002 Toyota 4-Runner, driven by 27-year old Levi Wilson, of Turner slid out of control, on black ice, in a curve. A 1999 Subaru Legacy made an evasive maneuver to avoid a collision but was struck on the passenger side. Wilson, who was alone in his vehicle, was transported to Santiam Memorial Hospital in Stayton for treatment of minor injuries.

Police say alcohol or drugs were not factors in the crash. The names of the deceased persons are being held pending notification of next of kin.

Investigators say the section of the road where the crash occurred was shaded and was covered by black ice. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving during cold weather periods and should remember that shaded areas can be icy.

Cruise control should not be used if there is a possibility of ice.