Oregon State Police is continuing its investigation into a crash that occurred just before 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, on Highway 20 west of Sweet Home, leaving two Sweet Home men critically injured.
According to OSP, at approximately 6:55 a.m. troopers and emergency responders were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 20 near milepost 21, near Bauman’s Mill.
Once on scene, troopers determined a 1998 International utility truck operated by Robert Mayfield, 54, of Sweet Home, was westbound on Highway 20 when it crossed from its lane of travel and crossed the center turn lane. Mayfield’s truck continued into the eastbound lane where it collided head-on into a 2011 Kenworth log truck, operated by Neil Nightengale, 39, also of Sweet Home.
A 2003 Subaru Legacy, operated by David Briggs, 59, of Lebanon, was also eastbound and collided with the log truck after the initial crash occurred.
Both Mayfield and Nightingale sustained critical injuries in the crash.
Mayfield was transported by Life Flight Emergency Air Ambulance to Salem Hospital and was later transferred to OHSU in Portland. Nightengale was transported by REACH Air Ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis.
Briggs did not sustain any injuries, according to police.
OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash. It is unknown why Mayfield’s truck crossed into the on-coming lane. Seat belt usage is still being determined.
Highway 20 was closed at the location for approximately four hours Thursday during the investigation.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation, Sweet Home Fire Department, Lebanon Fire Department and Northwest Firefighters.