Loon Lake, OR (June 8, 2026) – Oregon State Police are investigating a pickup truck crash that ended with the vehicle catching fire and injuring the driver on Highway 38 in Loon Lake on Saturday, June 6.
The crash happened just after 12:00 p.m. near Milepost 13. Troopers said a pickup was traveling eastbound when the driver reportedly drove onto the shoulder and off the roadway. The vehicle then struck a rock outcropping along the mountainside while the driver attempted to recover.
The driver, a 70-year-old man from Reedsport, and a passenger were helped out of the pickup by bystanders shortly before the vehicle caught fire. The passenger was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was not reported to be seriously injured.
Officials said a wildfire also began in the area following the crash. Fire crews with the Coos Forest Protective Association responded, and the highway was closed for nearly three hours while the fire was extinguished. The vehicle was later towed away.
The driver was cited for driving without an operator’s license. Authorities continue to review the circumstances of the crash. We are thinking of those injured as they continue to recover.
What Information Is Typically Reviewed After a Crash Involving Fire and Road Departure?
Crashes that involve a vehicle leaving the roadway are often reviewed by examining road edge conditions, driver reaction time, and whether fatigue, distraction, or mechanical issues played a role. Investigators may also examine tire tracks leading off the highway to determine how the vehicle left the travel lane.
When fire occurs after impact, officials may assess fuel system damage and ignition sources to determine how quickly the fire spreads. Environmental conditions, such as dry vegetation near the roadway, can also contribute to the development of secondary wildfires.
Injury patterns and witness accounts are commonly used to reconstruct the sequence of events. Emergency response timing and bystander assistance may also be documented as part of the overall incident review.
