Clackamas County, OR (April 18, 2025) – A crash involving a semi-truck hauling hay and an SUV early Friday morning resulted in serious injuries and major traffic disruptions on U.S. Highway 26, just west of Government Camp, according to Oregon State Police.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 6:28 a.m. near milepost 48, approximately seven miles east of Welches. Authorities say the semi-truck and SUV collided, causing the semi to lose its load of hay across the roadway. One individual sustained serious injuries and was airlifted from the scene by Life Flight helicopter. No other injuries were reported.
The crash shut down all lanes of Highway 26 for several hours. By mid-morning, one eastbound lane reopened to allow westbound traffic to pass through. The highway fully reopened later in the afternoon after the scene was cleared.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving commercial trucks hauling cargo raise concerns about load security, driver behavior, and vehicle handling. Investigators will likely examine how the crash occurred, whether either driver was speeding or distracted, and whether the hay was properly secured. If any safety violations are uncovered, those responsible may face liability for resulting injuries and traffic disruptions.
The injured individual may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim if the crash resulted from truck driver negligence or improper load management.
Ongoing Investigation: Oregon State Police are continuing to investigate the collision. The Oregon Department of Transportation coordinated the cleanup effort, which required specialized equipment to remove the spilled hay and address any potential fluid leaks.
I hope the injured individual receives the care needed for a full recovery.
Source: KTVZ / KGW