A Monday afternoon drive on Highway 126 in Lane County turned deadly when a car crossed the center line and triggered a three-vehicle collision near Fisher Road. The crash, reported around 4 p.m., briefly shut down the highway as first responders rushed in. Troopers and medics pronounced the driver of one car dead at the scene.
What state police say
According to a press release from the Oregon State Police, the chain of events started when a westbound red Mazda3 crossed the center line near milepost 52 and hit an eastbound white Chevrolet Equinox. The Equinox rolled and came to rest in the westbound lane.
The Mazda kept going into oncoming traffic and then collided with a red Hyundai Elantra, investigators said. The Hyundai's driver was taken to the hospital with what troopers described as minor injuries, and both people in the Equinox walked away unhurt.
Driver identified
As reported by KOIN, the driver of the Mazda was identified as 46-year-old John Unrein. He was declared dead at the scene of the crash, which the station noted occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Monday.
Highway 126 context
The Oregon State Police collision-reconstruction unit has already been busy on Highway 126 this spring, working several serious crashes along the route, including other fatal collisions. According to the state release, troopers and transportation officials are again urging drivers to slow down and take extra care on the winding, two-lane stretches of the highway, where tight curves and limited sightlines leave little margin for error.
Investigation ongoing
The crash remains under investigation, and troopers have not said what might have caused the Mazda to cross the center line, KOIN reported. Authorities have not announced any citations or criminal charges related to the collision.
