EDITOR’S NOTE: We have included a couple photos from the accident scene. The Pioneer’s policy is usually to not include accident photos due to the trauma it can cause the accident victims, their families and others that have experienced an accident. We are including images from this accident as the cause appears to be an intoxicated driver (alcohol/drugs) and as a stark reminder that drinking/drugs and driving DO NOT MIX. Everyone was fortunate here – PLEASE, PLEASE DON’T DRINK/DO DRUGS AND DRIVE – the life you save might be your own.
On December 13, 2020 at approximately 11:41 A.M., a four-vehicle, serious injury collision occurred on US 101 near MP 40. Three vehicles were headed southbound: a silver, 2010, Infinity, G37X, followed by a silver, 2019, GMC, Sierra, followed by a silver, 2009, Nissan Xterra. A tan, Ford motorhome was northbound. Witnesses stated the Infinity had been swerving out of its lane for miles prior to the collision and almost caused other collisions. The Infinity turned left into the northbound lane. The front of the Infinity struck the rock embankment on the shoulder. The motorhome struck the passenger side of the Infinity. The Infinity spun several times and came to an uncontrolled rest in the northbound lane. The motorhome continued forward and struck the GMC. The GMC spun around and came to an uncontrolled rest in the northbound lane. The motorhome continued forward and swerving right to avoid going over a cliff. The motor home then struck the front of the Nissan. The Nissan spun around and then the motorhome struck the driver side of the Nissan pushing it up against the rock embankment on the northbound shoulder. The Nissan came to an uncontrolled rest. The motorhome came to an uncontrolled rest blocking both lanes.
The driver of the Infinity was transported by ground ambulance and then air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital. The passenger of the Infinity was transported by ground ambulance to Tillamook Hospital. The passenger of the motorhome was transported by ground ambulance to a hospital in Clatsop Co. The motorhome was towed by Burden’s towing and all others were towed by South County Towing.
The highway was closed for approximately 4.3 hours. OSP was assisted by Tillamook County Sherriff’s Office, Manzanita Police Department and Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue. A collision reconstructionist was called to the scene. Multiple empty alcohol containers were found in the Infinity and the driver of that car admitted to drinking and using cocaine that day. Exigent blood was taken from the driver of the Infinity on scene.
The investigation is ongoing.