Salem-News.com Florence articles Page 2

Crash Near Florence Leaves Woman Critically Injured

(FLORENCE) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on Highway 101 about three miles south of Florence. The
crash has left one person in critical condition, and troopers are investigating to determine if alcohol was a contributing factor.

Investigators say that at around 12:40 PM Sunday, a 2005 Dodge pickup driven by 53-year old Rodney L. Deris of Florence, was southbound on Highway 101 when it drove off into a ditch on the right shoulder then came back onto the highway and crossed the centerline.

The Dodge pickup crashed nearly head-on with a northbound 1993 Honda Civic four-door.

Man Injured by Illegal Fireworks Speaks Out

The man says he never made the connection that buying illegal fireworks really means they're illegal.

(FLORENCE) - A Florence man recovering from a painful epiphany wants others to learn from his near death experience with illegal fireworks on the fourth of July.

While family and friends watched, a burning mortar hit him then bounced into nearly 400 rounds of fireworks igniting them all.

"I thought I was going to die in the fire," confesses James Motts, a single father.

Motts has been driving to Washington to purchase fireworks from the Chehalis tribes since 1991.