A tragic head-on collision in Linn County on Saturday, December 23, claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl and left several others injured, according to Oregon State Police.
The crash occurred just after 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 22. Authorities reported that a Toyota Highlander traveling westbound on Highway 20 attempted to turn left onto Highway 22, colliding with an eastbound Hyundai Accent.
State police determined that the Toyota Highlander made an unsafe turn, causing the fatal crash. Both highways were closed for about two hours while investigators worked at the scene.
The driver of the Hyundai Accent, identified as 35-year-old Maryssa E. Swiderski of Willamina, and her 15-year-old passenger were airlifted to a nearby hospital. Tragically, the 15-year-old girl was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Swiderski remains in critical condition.
Two other passengers in the Hyundai, a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy, also from Willamina, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital by ambulance.
The driver of the Toyota Highlander, Victor Hernandez Triana of Springfield, and two of his passengers reported minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital. A 51-year-old passenger in the Toyota, identified as Maria Triana De Hernandez, also from Springfield, suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
This tragic accident on December 23 has left a community mourning during the holiday season, highlighting the devastating consequences of unsafe driving decisions.
