Aaccident hwy 395 stanfield oregon may 6 2025

Details Emerge in Fatal Hwy 395 Collision Near Stanfield

On May 6, 2025, a devastating motor vehicle accident occurred on Highway 395 near Stanfield, Oregon, leaving the local community in shock and mourning. The multi-vehicle crash happened just south of Stanfield at approximately 7:15 AM, prompting a swift response from emergency services, including Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Stanfield Fire Department, and Life Flight crews.

Sequence of Events Leading Up to the Collision

Preliminary investigations by the Oregon State Police (OSP) indicate that the crash involved three vehicles, including a commercial semi-truck, a pickup truck, and a passenger sedan. The incident is believed to have been triggered by low visibility due to early morning fog and slick pavement conditions, which are common along this rural stretch of U.S. Route 395.

Witnesses report that the semi-truck, traveling northbound, appeared to have crossed the center line while negotiating a bend near Sagebrush Road. The pickup truck, heading southbound, attempted evasive action but was struck on the driver’s side, causing it to spin out into the path of the sedan trailing behind. The chain-reaction crash left all three vehicles severely damaged, with debris scattered across both lanes.

Casualties and Medical Response

Two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene: the driver of the pickup truck, a 43-year-old male from Hermiston, and the passenger in the sedan, a 28-year-old woman from Pendleton. Their names have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the semi-truck, a 56-year-old man from Boise, Idaho, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported via Life Flight helicopter to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington.

Three others, including a toddler who was properly restrained in a car seat, were taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston with minor to moderate injuries.

Highway 395 Closed for Over Seven Hours

Due to the severity of the crash and the need for thorough investigation and cleanup, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed a 7-mile stretch of Hwy 395 from Stanfield Junction to Lamb Road from approximately 7:30 AM to 2:45 PM.

Traffic was diverted through alternate rural routes, creating significant congestion and delays. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and follow updates from ODOT’s TripCheck service.

Investigation Underway Into Contributing Factors

OSP troopers from the Pendleton Area Command are working in coordination with accident reconstruction experts to determine the precise causes and contributing circumstances. Although weather is believed to have played a significant role, authorities are also investigating the possibility of driver fatigue, speed, or mechanical failure.

A toxicology screen was conducted on all drivers involved, as per protocol in fatal collisions, and results are pending.

Local Authorities and Community Respond

Stanfield Mayor Teresa Rogers issued a statement extending her condolences to the families affected and praised the rapid response by first responders and volunteers. She highlighted the need for increased road safety awareness, especially along Highway 395, which has seen several fatal incidents over the past five years.

Community members gathered at Stanfield City Hall for an impromptu vigil later that evening, lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of the victims.

History of Accidents on Hwy 395 in Umatilla County

Highway 395 has long been considered one of the more dangerous rural highways in Eastern Oregon. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that between 2020 and 2024, over 45 major accidents were reported in Umatilla County alone, many involving large commercial trucks and high-speed rural traffic.

The Oregon Department of Transportation has previously initiated efforts such as improved signage, rumble strips, and fog alert systems, but local residents continue to advocate for more substantial upgrades, including widened shoulders, barriers, and enhanced lighting in fog-prone zones.

Support for Victims’ Families

Several GoFundMe pages have been created by community members to assist the victims’ families with funeral expenses, hospital bills, and recovery support. The Stanfield School District has offered grief counseling services for students and staff impacted by the tragedy, as one of the victims was reportedly a parent of two young children attending local schools.

Public Safety Reminders Following the Crash

In light of the accident, local and state officials are urging drivers to exercise extra caution on rural highways during early morning hours, especially in spring when fog and dew can create slippery road conditions. Motorists are reminded to:

• Reduce speed in low-visibility zones

• Keep headlights on low beam during fog

• Avoid sudden lane changes or abrupt braking

• Allow extra travel time and maintain safe following distances

• Stay alert, especially in areas known for wildlife crossings or sharp turns

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning, A Call for Safer Roads

The May 6, 2025, accident on Hwy 395 near Stanfield, Oregon serves as a painful reminder of the dangers present on rural highways, especially during unpredictable weather. As the community grapples with this tragic loss, there is renewed urgency for enhanced road safety measures and greater driver awareness.

Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the victims. We will continue to follow this story as investigations progress and updates become available.