John Day, Ore. – The Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to HWY 26 near John Day to the report of a vehicle crashed into a power pole. Additional information indicated the power lines were down and a grass fire had started.
According to Sergeant Tom Hutchison, yesterday at about 12:28 PM, a 1998 Dodge pickup pulling a flatbed trailer was traveling eastbound on HWY 26 when the vehicle left the roadway, rolled over and struck a power pole. This caused the power lines to drop and start the vehicle and the surrounding vegetation on fire.
The driver, 18 year old Taylor D MELIZA of Salem, was uninjured. Fire crews from John Day and the Bureau of Land Management responded and extinguished the fire.
The investigation suggests MELIZA fell asleep causing his vehicle to depart the roadway. He was cited for Careless Driving.
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