ortland, OR (August 22, 2025) – A multi-vehicle collision at the junction of N Kerby Ave and the I-405 Freeway ramp in North Portland left several people injured late Thursday night. The crash occurred around 9:51 p.m., disrupting traffic on both the ramp and surrounding surface streets.
Injured parties received care at the scene from paramedics, with at least one person transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Fire crews from Portland Fire & Rescue also assisted by securing the area, managing debris, and directing vehicles away from the blocked ramp lanes.
The collision occurred in a complex traffic zone where freeway traffic merges with local roadways, creating conditions that are particularly hazardous after dark. Investigators have not released information about the number of vehicles involved or the suspected cause, though officials are looking into whether speed, poor visibility, or lane change errors played a role.
The Portland Police Bureau continues to investigate. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant footage is encouraged to contact local authorities. Our thoughts are with those recovering from this incident.
Ramp and Merge Zone Collisions in Portland
Areas where city roads meet freeways—like the I-405 ramp at N Kerby Ave—pose a higher-than-average crash risk, especially at night. Merging drivers may be navigating lane changes under pressure, and visibility is often limited due to lighting or curves in the road. These conditions make evening and late-night driving particularly dangerous.
Crashes at freeway ramps can be severe, as vehicles are typically moving at high speeds or accelerating to enter traffic. This increases both the force of impact and the likelihood of multiple injuries. In this case, the timing and location suggest conditions where a single mistake could quickly escalate into a multi-vehicle incident.
Injury victims from such crashes often face not only physical recovery but the burden of dealing with insurance claims, property damage, and time away from work. For those unfamiliar with navigating Oregon’s legal and medical systems, the process can feel overwhelming without help.
To address safety in these transition zones, Portland continues to update ramp signage, improve lighting, and conduct targeted enforcement. However, even with these efforts, the responsibility ultimately lies with drivers to remain focused, alert, and cautious when merging in or out of freeway traffic.
If you or someone you love was injured in a freeway ramp collision, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect Portland crash victims with trusted legal, medical, and recovery professionals who can support you through the aftermath. Contact us today to get started on your road to recovery.
