Fatal Traffic Crash Highway 20 East of Burns - Update

A pickup taking a left turn was crashed into by a truck attempting to pass them, in a no passing zone.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

(BURNS, Ore.) - Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Burns work site, with the assistance of an OSP Crash Reconstructionist, are continuing the investigation into Tuesday evening's fatal traffic crash along Highway 20 about 22 miles east of Burns.

The collision resulted in the death of an adult female, serious injuries to her husband, and minor injuries to a commercial truck driver.

According to OSP Sergeant Brian Williams, on September 28, 2010 at approximately 7:11 p.m. a westbound 2005 Freightliner pulling two flatbed trailers loaded with cardboard bales driven by 50-year old Rey Solis, from Eugene, was attempting to pass a westbound 2006 Dodge pickup with two occupants in a no passing zone.

The pickup attempted to turn left from Highway 20 near milepost 154 and was struck in the left side by the truck. Both vehicles traveled off the south side of Highway 20 where they struck an abandoned motel, several trees, and an unoccupied pickup parked at a next door residence. A flatbed trailer flipped and spilled its load of cardboard.

OSP Trooper Jeremiah Beckert and emergency responders from Drewsey arrived and initiated medical care for the three involved people, including a 59-year old Judith Ann Hall who was critically injured inside the Dodge pickup. Judith Hall was later pronounced deceased at the scene when EMT's arrived.

The woman's 68-year old husband, David Hall, was seriously injured and trapped in the pickup for about 90 minutes before Burns and Hines fire department personnel were able to extricate him. He was transported by ambulance to Harney District Hospital. He is currently listed in critical condition.

The couple's dog was later found slightly injured underneath the commercial truck and was taken to an area veterinarian to be cared for until it can be released back to the family.

Solis was also transported to Harney District Hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. He was driving for Leavitt's Freight Service Inc. out of Springfield.

Safety restraint use by all occupants is to be determined by investigating troopers.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Harney County Sheriff's Office, Burns Fire Department, Hines Fire Department, and ODOT. Troopers are back at the scene today continuing the investigation.