Tractor-trailer driver charged in Oregon crash that killed 7, injured 4
The driver of a tractor-trailer who allegedly rammed a pickup truck, killing seven people and injuring four others, has been arrested on multiple charges including manslaughter and reckless driving, police said. ‘Oregon.
Lincoln Clayton Smith, 52, of North Highlands, California, was arrested following an accident Thursday afternoon on Interstate 5 near Santiam Rest Area, Oregon.
Six people died at the scene and one person was transported by Life Flight to hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Oregon State Police said in a news release. Four others were hospitalized with various injuries.
Smith was traveling north on Interstate 5 when the truck veered off the shoulder and struck a Ford Econoline van with 11 people inside, police said. The van was pushed into another parked truck, causing “extreme damage” to the van, authorities said.
The seven people killed and four others injured were in the van, police said. Their identities have not been disclosed.
Smith was not injured but was transported for medical evaluation, authorities said. He was later arrested and charged with seven counts of second-degree manslaughter, three counts of third-degree assault, reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
His next court date is May 30, according to online records. Attorney information was not available.
Eric Mendoza contributed.