Baker City, Ore. UPDATE: PRELIMINARY INFORMATION:
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a multi vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near Baker City. All eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 are blocked with several crashed vehicles. ODOT and emergency responders are on scene.
Early information indicates that on January 17, at approximately 4:54 A.M., estimated 20 vehicles, traveling eastbound onto black ice, collided and resulted in blocking all eastbound traffic with approximately 50 vehicles blocked within the crash scene. Two vehicles were transporting hazardous materials and an assessment is being conducted at this time. 4 occupants were transported with minor to serious injuries.
Earlier report –
– I-84 remains closed Westbound in Ontario at Exit 371 and Eastbound at Exit 304 in Baker City, Exit 265 in La Grande, and Exit 216 east of Pendleton due to multi-vehicle crash on Eastbound Freeway near MP 318, east of Baker City.
ABC news is reporting that up to 50 cars may have been involved and that the crash was due to black ice.
The Eastbound freeway has been closed since earlier this morning due to the incident. The Eastbound closure is expected to continue through the day and into the afternoon due to hazardous materials involved in the truck crash. Hazmat crews are responding to the incident.
The Westbound freeway closure at Exit 371 in Ontario is needed to facilitate emergency response crews needing access to the crash site. Over a dozen semi-trucks are reported to be impacted by the crash. All travelers are advised to take alternate routes to bypass I-84 in eastern Oregon. Alternate route for trucks will be US 97 south from Biggs Junction, then US 20 east from Bend area. Eastbound freeway readers boards are being activated all along I-84 to advise travelers.
Watch for fog, spots of ice on highways in eastern Oregon. For up to minute road conditions, always check TripCheck.com or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside of Oregon, call 503-588-2941.
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
