October 3, 2023 4:40 p.m.  

5 people were taken to the hospital following a 3-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon.

An Oregon State Police report said just after 3:45 p.m. troopers were dispatched to the crash on Highway 138W, about 9 miles northwest of Sutherlin. A pickup pulling a camp trailer was travelling eastbound when a van traveling westbound crossed the double yellow line while it was attempting to pass another vehicle. The van crashed head-on into the pickup. A second van that was traveling behind the pickup rear ended it due that vehicle stopping on impact. The driver of the first van was extricated and transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center with serious injuries. The occupants of the second van were taken to Mercy as were the two passengers in the pickup. The driver and another passenger in the pickup had minor injuries.

The driver who caused the wreck was charged with reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person and for third-degree assault.

All 3 vehicles had to be towed away.