Portland, OR (April 26, 2026) – A crash involving two semi trucks left two people seriously hurt Saturday morning along Interstate 5 near Macadam Avenue.
The accident happened around 10:40 a.m., near the I-405 interchange just south of the Marquam Bridge. According to early details, one semi truck driver failed to slow for traffic ahead, swerved, and hit another semi trailer.
Both the driver and a passenger in the striking truck were badly injured in the crash. Emergency units responded to the scene, where officers used a tourniquet to control severe bleeding suffered by the passenger before both victims were taken to a nearby hospital. They are expected to recover.
Northbound lanes of I-5 were shut down for several hours following the collision, causing delays in the area. The roadway was reopened at about 3:30 p.m. after crews cleared the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
How Rear-End Crashes Involving Large Trucks Can Happen on Busy Highways
Crashes involving semi trucks often occur when traffic patterns change quickly, especially on busy highways. Large trucks need more distance to stop due to their weight and size, which can make sudden slowdowns more dangerous.
Driver attention is another factor in these incidents. When traffic becomes congested, even a short delay in reacting can lead to a serious crash. Swerving to avoid stopped vehicles may also increase the risk of hitting nearby lanes or other trucks.
Road conditions and traffic flow near interchanges can add complexity. Areas with merging lanes or heavy congestion tend to see more sudden braking, which raises the chance of rear-end collisions involving larger vehicles.
