November 27, 2024 3:50 a.m.

One person died and one was taken to the hospital following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 42 in Coos County Monday morning.

An Oregon State Police report said just after 11:45 a.m. troopers responded to the accident near the Coquille area. A preliminary investigation indicated that a sedan operated by 32-year-old Brandon Smith of Coos Bay was traveling westbound on the highway when for unknown reasons it went into an uncontrolled spin, traveled into the eastbound lanes of travel, and collided with a second sedan, driven by 32-year-old Dana Salmon of Myrtle Point.

Both vehicles came to an uncontrolled rest within the eastbound lanes of travel, at which time the first sedan became engulfed in flames. The operator of that vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Highway 42 was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by Coquille Police, fire and ambulance staff and the Oregon Department of Transportation.