Four Wrecks In Josephine County In A hour And A Half

Rural Metro Fire - Josephine County

Four wrecks in 1.5 hours had northern Josephine County rescue teams scrambling this afternoon.  The most-significant crash that challenged crews occurred on Interstate 5 near the Merlin Exit (MP 60).

(MERLIN) -- For reasons being investigated by Oregon State Police, a red sedan crashed into the side of a semi truck at a significant speed near MP 60.  The semi truck driver was not injured, but the sedan driver and passenger sustained various injuries.  The passenger was found entrapped in the vehicle upon arrival of Rural Metro Fire, AMR-Josephine County and Grants Pass Fire.  Firefighters were challenged with the delicate task of removing the vehicle from around the patient. At one point, a heavy wrecker from Caveman Towing was called in to prepare for lifting the semi off the sedan, as well as an Oregon Department of Transportation unit to pull it out from underneath. However, firefighters were able to cut-away just enough of the vehicle that the patient was extricated and transferred to AMR - an operation that took just under 1 hour.  Unfortunately, the incident caused traffic to back-up for miles in the southbound lanes, causing an extended delay. 

(SUNNY VALLEY) -- Just prior to the crash at MP 60, two wrecks occurred within minutes of each other on Interstate 5 southbound near MP 73.  The first crash resulted in no injuries, but the secondary crash resulted in a rollover involving a pickup containing six occupants.  All six were transported by AMR, two of which needed to be extricated by Rural Metro Fire crews.  There was minimal traffic delays since both vehicles were off the roadway. Both crashes are being investigated independently by OSP.

(PICKETT CREEK) -- During the MP 60 incident, a rollover crash was reported in the 1000 block of Pickett Creek Road by an angry and impatient caller to 911.  Rural Metro Fire mobilized additional rescue crews to rush to the scene, thankfully finding the single driver was not injured.  There was no lane blockage, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office is investigating. 

Rural Metro Fire - Josephine County wishes to thank our supportive members and customers for making it possible for our stations to be adequately staffed and equipped to respond to simultaneous local emergencies.