VALE, OR : 2 die in fiery crash west of Harper on Monday, January, 1st 2018

Oregon State Police troopers are still on scene, but have confirmed that a crash that happened early this morning resulted in two fatalities.

At about at about 8:10 a.m. this morning, according to state police, two semi-trucks crashed, subsequently catching fire west of Harper. The accident caused the closure of U.S. Highway 20 in both directions from Vale to Burns, according to a report from Oregon Department of Transportation. The collision happened at milepost 217, 7 miles west of Harper, the report states.

The highway could remain closed most of the day for fire operation, vehicle removal and law enforcement investigation, according to ODOT.

“Local traffic may be able to access Harper from the east and Juntura from the west,” the report states, however there is full closure between Juntura and Harper.

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 are closed at Exit 302 in Baker City, according to the report. This is due to numerous vehicles, including semi-trucks, crashing on icy roads near milepost 351.

The closure was expected to last for about an hour as crews and tow trucks work to remove and unblock the route.

In addition, the report states that Oregon Route 245 between Oregon Route 7 and U.S. Highway 26 is closed to through traffic (it is not a viable alternate route for Interstate 84).

“Travelers are advised to wait in a safe location,” until the roads are reopened, according to ODOT. They also are urged to stay on main highways and avoid following GPS directions onto unfamiliar roadways, as many “may not be passable in winter conditions.”

Source :
2 die in fiery crash west of Harper