Multiple people died after a car crashed into a tree near U.S. 26 Mile Post 16 on Tuesday, according to Oregon police.
Capt. Kyle Kennedy told Oregon/Oregon Live that a trooper was on the scene at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Investigators are working to determine if the tree fell into the road before hitting the car or if the car was crushed.
"From preliminary investigations, it appears to be a coincidence," Kennedy said, adding that the crash involved "multiple fatalities."
Roads are closed in both directions but should be reopened soon, he said. Milepost 16 is on the west side of Humbug Road on the route that connects Portland to the Oregon Coast.
Also on Tuesday, US Highway 26 from Mt. Hood Highway to Madras was shut down after another accident. A detour was put in place. Motorists should check current conditions on his tripcheck.com before heading out.
The National Weather Service has issued a gale advisory for the entire Portland area, warning of southwest gusts as strong as 45 miles per hour.
Eastbound Interstate 84 was also closed past the Bonneville Dam from Troutdale, causing another fatal accident.
This is breaking news and will be updated.
— Zane Sparling; [email protected]; 503-319-7083; @pdxzane
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