Police Investigate Fatal Traffic Crash on Interstate 82 Near Umatilla

The driver and three other occupants were using safety restraints and were not injured.

Salem-News.com

(UMATILLA, Ore.) - Police say a 5-year old boy died Saturday night after he was ejected from the family's vehicle as it rolled over off the southbound lanes of Interstate 82 south of Umatilla.

The other four occupants, two adults and two children, were not injured according to Oregon State Police.

They say the names and city of residence are withheld pending notification to the victim's father who is out of the country.

OSP Senior Trooper Mitch Wilson, says at approximately 7:38 p.m. Sunday evening, a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe with the five occupants was southbound on Interstate 82 near milepost 4.

Roadway conditions were described as very icy.

Wilson says the 26-year old driver of the vehicle, the victim's mother, was traveling in the right southbound lane when she reportedly applied the brakes while approaching another vehicle and lost control.

"The vehicle slid to the right and rolled off the highway at least three times. The victim was seated in the right rear seat and was ejected," Wilson said.

"He was transported by Hermiston ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased about one hour later."

Wilson says safety restraint use is pending further investigation, but said the driver and three other occupants were using safety restraints and were not injured.

The right front passenger was the 49-year old grandmother of the victim. The two other child passengers were the victim's 2 and 6-year old sisters.

OSP troopers from the Hermiston work site are continuing the investigation.

The Umatilla Police Department, Umatilla Fire Department and Hermiston ambulance assisted at the scene.

No additional information for release at this time.