Crews are on the scene of a deadly crash on NW Cornelius Schefflin Road in rural Washington County, north of Cornelius, Oregon, and authorities have shut down all lanes on both that road and nearby NW Roy Road. The number of vehicles involved has not been made clear, and the situation remains fluid as investigators work the scene.
Roads Closed as Investigation Continues
According to KATU, the closures affect all lanes on both NW Cornelius Schefflin Road and NW Roy Road while crews respond. The outlet reported that it is unclear how many vehicles are involved in the crash, and described the incident as still developing.
No further details on the cause of the crash, the identity of anyone killed, or the condition of anyone else involved have been released. Drivers in the area north of Cornelius should expect delays and plan for detours until the roads reopen.
A Stretch of Road With a Grim History
This is not the first time a fatal crash has closed this stretch of rural roadway. On June 9, 2007, Washington County sheriff's deputies responded to a crash on NW Cornelius-Schefflin Road near NW Long Road, where a group of five bicyclists were riding south and preparing to turn east, according to BikePortland. A 66-year-old bicyclist from Aloha, Timothy O'Donnell, died at the scene after being struck while signaling a left turn. The driver, 26-year-old Jennifer Knight of Hayden, Idaho, was cited for driving while suspended, careless driving, and passing in a no-passing zone.
A crash north of Cornelius involved a silver 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix that reportedly crossed the center line and struck a John Deere tractor. Jeremy Bryant, 30, of Forest Grove, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the tractor's driver, Rafael Lopez of Gaston, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Thursday's closure echoes that pattern, with authorities again shutting down the road while the scene is worked, though it has not been said how long the current closures will last. This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
