Lane County, OR (July 31, 2025) – A tragic multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 claimed the life of one man and left another seriously injured Tuesday morning. The collision occurred around 8:00 a.m. on July 29, near milepost 186 in Lane County, and involved at least three vehicles traveling through the area.
According to the Oregon State Police, 61-year-old Kenneth Nicholas Thomas of Springfield was killed in the crash. He had been a passenger in a gray Dodge Charger driven by 59-year-old Timothy Brian Smith, also of Springfield. The incident began when a white Dodge Caravan, driven by 56-year-old Kennith Nelsen of Coos Bay, attempted to enter the emergency vehicle turnaround from the slow lane and struck the side of Smith’s vehicle.
In an attempt to avoid the impact, Smith swerved toward the median. However, the Caravan collided with the Charger again inside the turnaround area, forcing the Charger into the northbound lanes. The vehicle was then struck by a white Kenworth dump truck towing a loaded trailer. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe nature of the impact.
Smith suffered serious injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. Nelsen, the driver of the Dodge Caravan, and 44-year-old Jaison William Karow of Coos Bay—who had been operating the dump truck—were not injured.
In the aftermath of the initial collision, a secondary crash involving three additional vehicles occurred in the southbound lanes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the secondary incident.
The interstate was closed for roughly four hours as emergency personnel responded and investigators began piecing together the sequence of events. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kenneth Thomas and send our hopes for a full recovery to Timothy Smith.
Fatal Car Accidents in Oregon
Deadly collisions like the one on Interstate 5 near milepost 186 reflect the devastating toll that highway crashes can take—both physically and emotionally. Oregon’s major corridors, including I-5, are vital for regional travel and commercial transport, but they are also high-risk zones for serious and fatal accidents due to high speeds, heavy traffic volumes, and limited room for error.
This crash involved multiple layers of danger, including a sudden lane maneuver into an emergency turnaround, an unavoidable swerve into oncoming traffic, and a high-speed impact with a commercial dump truck. The consequences were devastating: one life lost, another permanently altered, and a community left in grief.
When fatalities result from highway crashes, the path forward for surviving victims and families is often long and complicated. Medical care, investigations, insurance issues, and potential legal claims can feel overwhelming while mourning a loss. In these moments, it’s critical that survivors and loved ones understand their rights and know where to turn for compassionate, informed support.
Local and state authorities continue to emphasize the importance of careful maneuvering and awareness on all parts of the freeway—especially in areas designated for emergency use only. Avoiding improper turns and staying alert to traffic patterns can be life-saving decisions.
If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries in a crash, it’s important to connect with local resources that can help you begin the healing process.
Tragedy can strike in an instant, but recovery begins with support. At Local Accident Reports, we help families and injured victims find trusted assistance—from medical resources to legal guidance. Whether you’re seeking answers or simply need help taking the next step, we’re here to support you through it. Contact us today and start your journey toward recovery and justice.
