A traffic accident involving three vehicles in western Oregon left seven dead and several injured, according to Oregon State Police reports.
Police and firefighters responded to the accident about seven miles north of Albany on northbound Interstate 5. The vehicles involved were two semitrucks and a passenger van.
The northbound lanes of I-5 were closed, and traffic was detoured.
UPDATE: A detour will be in place on NB I-5, using exit 238 to OR 164, Jefferson Hwy, and on the evening commute due to a multi-vehicle crash about 7 mi. north of #AlbanyOR. Expect delays from backed-up traffic. #SlowDown as you approach the area - watch for emergency responders.
UPDATE: A detour will be placed on NB I-5, using Exit 238 to OR 164, Jefferson Hwy, and into the evening commute due to a multi-vehicle crash about 7 mi. north of #AlbanyOR. Expect delays from backed-up traffic. #SlowDown as you approach the area - watch for emergency responders. pic.twitter.com/LJPjuLhJSa
— OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) May 18, 2023
According to the Albany Democrat-Herald, bodies covered in plastic were seen in a nearby field. Police erected a barrier to block the view of the scene.
Seven adults were known to be among the deceased, but the number of injured was not specified.
Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident.
The deceased were Mexican farm workers
Hours after the accident, it was learned that the victims were Mexican farm workers who were traveling in a van on their way home from work, according to the state's farm workers union and Mexican authorities.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the seven dead or the four injured in the accident.
