Eugene, OR (August 1, 2025) – A tragic chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles shut down both directions of Interstate 5 Tuesday morning near milepost 186, resulting in the death of one man and serious injuries to another.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. on July 29, just outside Eugene city limits. According to the Oregon State Police, a white Dodge Caravan driven by a 56-year-old man from Coos Bay attempted to enter the emergency vehicle turnaround from the right-hand lane of southbound I-5. In doing so, the Caravan struck the side of a gray Dodge Charger, whose driver tried to evade the impact by steering toward the median.
The initial impact forced the Charger into the northbound lanes, where it collided with a dump truck hauling a loaded trailer. Tragically, a passenger in the Charger, identified as 61-year-old Kenneth Nicholas Thomas of Springfield, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Charger sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan and the dump truck operator were not injured in the crash. Following the initial collision, a secondary crash occurred on the southbound side of I-5, though no injuries were reported in that incident.
Multiple agencies—including the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and the Pleasant Hill Rural Fire Protection District—responded to the scene and assisted in managing the aftermath. Interstate 5 was closed in both directions for approximately four hours while authorities conducted their investigation and cleared the debris.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Kenneth Nicholas Thomas. We also send our heartfelt wishes for healing and recovery to the injured driver.
Highway Crashes and Emergency Turnarounds in Oregon
The fatal collision near milepost 186 on Interstate 5 draws attention to the dangers of improperly using emergency turnarounds on high-speed roadways. These median crossovers are reserved strictly for emergency and authorized vehicles; improper use can lead to catastrophic outcomes—especially on interstates with high traffic volumes and limited reaction time.
Oregon has seen a steady rise in multi-vehicle highway crashes in recent years, particularly those involving lane changes, sudden maneuvers, or illegal turnarounds. The split-second decisions drivers make in these environments often leave little margin for error, and when commercial vehicles or heavy equipment like dump trucks are involved, the stakes become even higher.
The use of emergency vehicle turnarounds by civilian drivers remains a significant safety concern. These crossovers are typically not designed for safe use by general traffic and are often poorly visible or unmarked for the average motorist. Misuse can disrupt traffic flow and result in deadly secondary collisions, such as the one that occurred on I-5 Tuesday.
For surviving victims and families of those killed in such incidents, the physical and emotional toll is often compounded by the complexity of the investigation, insurance procedures, and potential legal claims. Seeking accurate information and professional support is vital to managing these challenges in the aftermath of a fatal crash.
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a collision on Oregon’s highways, it’s essential to act quickly to preserve your rights, protect your well-being, and access the resources necessary for recovery.
A tragic crash can change lives in an instant—but support is available. At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to providing clear updates and connecting families and victims with the tools and resources they need during times of loss and uncertainty. If you’ve been affected by a serious highway collision, don’t navigate it alone—reach out to us today and take the next step toward clarity and care.
