Salem, Fatal MVA 3-22-13

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Friday morning's three vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on Highway 22W just west of the intersection with Highway 51 west of Salem. The name of the victim is withheld pending completion of next of kin notifications. Preliminary information indicates on March 22, 2013 at approximately 7:12 a.m., a Chevrolet pickup driven by AGAPITO ESCUTIA-CHACON, age 60, from Gervais, was westbound on Highway 22W when it crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane. Two eastbound vehicles, a Toyota 4Runner traveling in the left lane driven by MARK D. BARNHART JR, age 35, from Falls City, and a passenger car traveling in the right lane driven by the female victim, both moved to the right side of the eastbound lanes in an attempt to avoid a collision. The three vehicles collided in the eastbound lanes and came to rest along the eastbound lanes of the highway. The passenger car's female driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. ESCUTIA-CHACON and BARNHART were transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital. Their injuries were serious but non-life threatening. OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash. Senior Trooper Andrew Goffrier is the lead investigator. OSP troopers from Albany and McMinnville are also assisting. Polk County District Attorney's Office, Polk County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT responded to the scene to assist. The eastbound lanes were closed over 4 hours.