Linn County, OR (August 20, 2026) – Five people were taken to hospitals after a chain-reaction crash on Tuesday, August 18, on southbound Interstate 5 near milepost 208 in Linn County, according to Oregon State Police.
OSP said a silver Infiniti sedan driven by 59-year-old Kevin Patrick Dickey was traveling southbound in the right lane. Dickey told investigators he was traveling about 70 mph when he moved into the left lane to pass a blue Freightliner vacuum truck, then rear-ended a silver Toyota sedan.
The impact pushed the Toyota into the left side of the Freightliner. The truck driver said he lost control, causing the Freightliner to slide onto the right shoulder and overturn.
During the rollover, the Freightliner struck the Toyota, causing major damage to the Toyota’s passenger compartment. The Toyota driver and two passengers were taken to hospitals by ambulance, while the Freightliner driver and a passenger went to a hospital by private vehicle.
OSP said Dickey was arrested on an outstanding warrant and cited for careless driving. The crash caused the vacuum truck to overturn and roll over the passenger car.
Our thoughts are with everyone injured in this crash and their loved ones. We wish all five injured individuals a full and speedy recovery.
What Are the Risks of Chain-Reaction Crashes?
Chain-reaction crashes can occur when one collision causes nearby vehicles to collide with one another. The first impact may push a vehicle into another lane or into the path of approaching traffic, creating additional hazards. Large vehicles can pose an additional level of danger because their size and weight can cause substantial damage during a rollover or secondary collision.
Maintaining a safe following distance gives drivers more time to respond when traffic slows or another vehicle stops suddenly. Drivers should also check mirrors and blind spots carefully before changing lanes or passing. Keeping speeds appropriate for traffic conditions can provide additional time to react to unexpected events.
Drivers traveling near large trucks should remember that commercial vehicles have larger blind spots and may need more room to maneuver. Giving trucks adequate space can reduce the chance of a collision during lane changes or sudden traffic changes. Staying focused on the roadway and avoiding distractions are also important when traveling on busy highways.
