Dallas, Ore. Man Killed in Crash Near Wilsonville

Oregon State Police would still like to talk with any witnesses who saw this crash occur.

Oregon State Police troopers are on scene investigating Friday's single vehicle fatal traffic crash off the northbound shoulder of Interstate 5 about three miles south of Wilsonville. Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Police

(WILSONVILLE, Ore. ) - Oregon State Police troopers are on scene investigating Friday's single vehicle fatal traffic crash off the northbound shoulder of Interstate 5 about three miles south of Wilsonville.

Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings says at approximately 11:55 a.m., a 1993 Buick Regal four-door driven by 48-year-old Emuel Smothers, from Dallas, Oregon, was northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 281 in the far right lane. For an unknown reason, the car traveled off the right shoulder, through grass for about 200 feet and then collided head-on into a tree.

The car's interior caught fire and was eventually extinguished by firefighters from Aurora Rural Fire Protection District.

Smothers was deceased at the scene. Investigators believe he was using safety restraints.

OSP troopers and collision reconstructionists from the Portland Area Command office are investigating. ODOT assisted with traffic. Trooper Mac Marshall is the lead investigator.

Any witnesses to the cause of the crash who have not spoken to investigating troopers are asked to call OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.