Portland, OR (September 23, 2025) – A serious injury collision occurred Saturday afternoon on the Weston Sunset Highway near SW Barnes Rd in Portland’s West Hills area. The crash prompted a mutual aid response from Portland Fire & Rescue after Washington County emergency officials requested additional support just before 4:30 p.m.
According to radio dispatch from Portland Area Fire and Rescue, Engine 16 was deployed to assist at the scene, which lies near a busy stretch of U.S. Route 26, also known as the Sunset Highway. Emergency personnel confirmed that individuals sustained injuries in the crash, and first responders worked quickly to provide treatment and secure the area.
Victims were evaluated by medics at the scene, and at least one person required transport to a local hospital. The extent of injuries has not been disclosed at this time. The crash led to traffic slowdowns in both directions of the highway near the SW Barnes Rd interchange as responders coordinated rescue and cleanup efforts.
Officials are continuing to investigate the events that led to the crash. Contributing factors under consideration include traffic congestion, speed, and merging behavior in a notoriously high-traffic corridor that sees heavy commuter and weekend travel.
We send our heartfelt wishes to those injured and hope for a safe and swift recovery.
Highway Interchange Crashes in Portland’s Westside
The intersection of Weston Sunset Highway and SW Barnes Rd sits in one of Portland’s busiest and most complex commuter corridors. This area frequently experiences high-speed traffic flow, sudden slowdowns, and limited room for maneuvering—especially during weekend travel times like Saturday afternoon.
Crashes in these zones are especially dangerous due to the higher speeds and tighter road geometry compared to city streets. Merging onto or exiting from the highway at locations like SW Barnes Rd requires heightened driver awareness, particularly when lanes are crowded or visibility is reduced by sun glare or terrain.
The mutual aid request for this crash underscores the severity of the incident and the strain that serious injury collisions can place on local emergency resources. When multiple agencies are required to assist, it often indicates that victims need immediate and advanced medical attention and that roadway conditions may be especially hazardous.
According to regional safety data, Sunset Highway is among the most frequently traveled highways in Oregon, and incidents near Barnes Rd have prompted calls for future safety improvements, including lane expansions and more controlled ramp access.
Injury crashes in areas like this often leave victims with more than just physical trauma. Medical bills, loss of mobility, transportation issues, and insurance complications can make recovery particularly stressful without access to timely support.
Local Accident Reports is committed to providing victims with up-to-date accident information and reliable pathways to the help they need. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a highway crash, don’t face the aftermath alone—contact us today and take the first step toward meaningful recovery.
