Klamath County, OR (March 11, 2026) – A deadly crash involving a passenger car and a semi-truck caused major traffic delays along Hwy 97 just south of Modoc Point in Klamath County.
The collision was reported around 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. According to initial reports, the crash involved a car and a large commercial truck, and the impact sparked a fire at the scene. One person was killed in the incident, though officials have not yet released the victim’s identity.
The crash blocked all lanes of Hwy 97 for several hours as emergency units worked at the scene. Traffic was stopped while crews cleared the roadway and handled the aftermath of the collision.
The closure lasted for roughly five hours before the southbound lane reopened. Crews remained at the scene afterward, directing vehicles through the area while traffic moved slowly in both directions.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Crashes Involving Semi-Trucks Can Cause Long Highway Closures
Crashes involving large commercial trucks often result in longer road closures than other accidents. Because semi-trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, the damage from these collisions can spread across multiple lanes.
When a crash involves a fire, spilled cargo, or heavy vehicle damage, additional time is needed to safely remove the truck and clear debris from the roadway. Specialized equipment may also be required to move the vehicle or recover cargo.
These situations frequently occur on major highways with high traffic volume. When lanes are blocked for several hours, backups can stretch for miles while crews work to reopen the road and restore normal traffic flow.
