Woman Dies in Crash Near Bend

A total of five other vehicle occupants were transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend reportedly with serious injuries.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(BEND, Ore.) - One woman died and six others were seriously injured Saturday afternoon in a head-on crash on Highway 20 about 6 miles west of Bend. All names are being withheld pending next of kin notifications, and the release may not happen until Sunday.

OSP says it happened Saturday at approximately 2:53 PM, when a silver 1999 Volkswagen Jetta traveling eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 9 crossed into the westbound lane nearly missing two vehicles and collided head-on with a gold 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. A second westbound vehicle following the Chevrolet Suburban collided with the two other involved vehicles.

The 52-year old female driver of the Volkswagen Jetta was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her 5-year old granddaughter was critically injured and transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

A total of five other vehicle occupants were transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend reportedly with serious injuries. The driver and passenger of the black Volkswagen Passat were reportedly uninjured as a result of the crash.

The initial investigation suggests all parties involved were reportedly wearing safety restraints, however, the 5-year old child was not properly restrained in a child safety seat.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Bend Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Deschutes County Fire Department and medical personnel assisted at the scene. The highway remained closed for about two hours while troopers investigated the collision.