Multnomah County, OR (June 23, 2026) – One person was severely injured after a crash involving a semi-truck along westbound Interstate 84 near Rooster Rock State Park in Multnomah County on Saturday, June 20.
According to the Oregon State Police, the wreck occurred shortly before 8:15 a.m. when a motorist was changing a tire on the shoulder of westbound I-84. Early reports indicate the semi-truck struck the person while they were outside the vehicle.
Emergency units requested an air ambulance, and the person was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. No identifying information about the injured person was released.
While crews worked along the roadway, a separate Kia sedan struck two sheriff’s office SUVs that were blocking traffic near the investigation site. The Kia driver was unconscious when removed from the vehicle and was later taken to a hospital with minor injuries. No law enforcement personnel were hurt.
Traffic along westbound I-84 was shut down at about 10:15 a.m. while crews cleared the roadway. All lanes reopened roughly one hour later. Additional details about the accident had not been made public as of this report, pending police investigations.
Our thoughts are with those receiving treatment and their families during recovery.
Why Secondary Highway Collisions Can Be Especially Dangerous
Secondary collisions mostly occur when drivers approach an active roadside emergency and fail to slow down or move over safely. These crashes can involve disabled vehicles, work crews, law enforcement units, or motorists already dealing with a roadside problem.
Many states have move-over laws that require drivers to change lanes when possible or reduce speed when approaching stopped vehicles with flashing lights. Even when traffic is moving normally, distractions, poor visibility, and sudden lane changes can increase the risk of a follow-up collision.
Roadside tire changes can also leave motorists vulnerable, particularly on high-speed highways. Safety experts generally recommend moving as far from traffic as possible, activating hazard lights, and remaining alert to approaching vehicles. Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of serious injuries during roadside emergencies.
