September 15, 2024 9:30 a.m.

The driver was taken to the hospital after a single vehicle accident early Saturday.

An Oregon State Police report said at approximately 2:45 a.m. troopers were dispatched to Interstate 5 southbound approximately 1 mile south of the Azaela interchange for the accident. Preliminary investigation showed that a vehicle left the road on the left shoulder then corrected back onto the pavement. The vehicle then slid sideways and began rolling. It appeared to have rolled several times before coming to rest on its wheels on the right side of the shoulder of the road.

The report said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. 38-year-old Justin Kuske was transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center and was later flown to Peace Health Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield with serious injuries. He was listed in critical condition at last check, according to a hospital spokesperson. Troopers were not able to interview him, as he was unconscious.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the crash scene.