July 2, 2009

Three injured in freeway crash
One driver cited in collision

     Three people were injured, one seriously, following a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon westbound on Interstate 84 in The Dalles.
     The crash occurred about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Michael Holloran, when a 1997 Saturn four-door with five occupants from Corning, Calif., was westbound on Interstate 84 at exit 85 in The Dalles. The Saturn’s driver, Jose Aguilar-Gomez, 27, appeared to be taking the freeway off ramp when he apparently changed his mind and merged back to the left across two lanes into the left westbound lane, forcing a witness toward the center median and concrete barrier.
     The witness honked their horn to warn Aguilar-Gomez, who over-corrected and lost control. The Saturn struck the center median and momentarily came to a stop broadside in the left westbound lane where it was struck in the driver’s side by a 2005 Toyota Sequoia towing a boat.
     Aguilar-Gomez and his left rear passenger, Daniel Aguilar-Mendez, 27, were transported to Mid-Columbia Medical Center for treatment. Aguilar-Mendez was taken by LifeFlight to an unknown Portland-area hospital for further treatment of serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Aguilar-Gomez was treated and released. The other three occupants did not require hospital treatment.
     The Toyota’s driver, Martha Halloran, 50, from Rainier, was transported to Mid-Columbia Medical Center where she was also treated and released for minor injuries.
     All involved vehicle occupants were using safety restraints.
     Senior Trooper Holloran cited Aguilar-Gomez for driving without a valid operator’s license and unsafe lane change.
     OSP troopers from The Dalles Area Command were assisted at the scene by ODOT and Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue.