A tragic multi-vehicle crash unfolded early Wednesday morning on Highway 99 (Southwest Pacific Highway), just two miles north of Sherwood, resulting in the death of one individual and leaving another with severe injuries. The accident has left the local community shaken and brought attention to the often dangerous conditions on this heavily trafficked roadway.
According to reports from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), the incident began when 72-year-old Robert Blomquist, a resident of Sherwood, was driving northbound on Highway 99. Blomquist’s vehicle collided with another car that was also traveling in the same direction. The impact caused him to lose control of his vehicle, setting off a chain of events that escalated the situation into a devastating collision.
After the initial crash, Blomquist’s car veered out of control, crossing the median and directly into oncoming traffic. It was at this point that his vehicle collided head-on with a box truck traveling in the opposite direction. The sheer force of the impact between the two vehicles proved to be catastrophic. Tragically, Blomquist succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident, despite efforts to save his life. His death adds another chapter to the unfortunate list of lives lost on Oregon highways, which have seen a concerning number of fatal crashes in recent years.
The driver of the box truck, though seriously injured, was fortunate enough to survive the initial crash. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment. According to WCSO officials, the injured individual is currently in stable condition and is expected to recover from his injuries, though the extent of those injuries remains significant.
As if the situation wasn’t dire enough, the crash between Blomquist’s vehicle and the box truck caused a secondary collision. The box truck, unable to maintain its trajectory after the initial impact, collided with a nearby dump truck. Thankfully, the driver of the dump truck was not seriously injured, and no further casualties were reported from this secondary collision. However, the involvement of multiple large vehicles made the scene particularly hazardous for emergency responders and added to the complexity of the investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident but has not yet come forward to provide any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-24-13419. Investigators hope to piece together the moments leading up to the crash and determine any factors that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
This section of Highway 99, often congested with commercial vehicles and daily commuters, is known for its hazardous conditions, especially during high-traffic periods. Local authorities have long been aware of the risks posed by the highway’s layout, which includes narrow lanes, sharp curves, and inconsistent speed limits. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has previously undertaken several initiatives to improve the safety of this major thoroughfare, including road widening projects and better signage. However, accidents like this one continue to highlight the need for even more stringent safety measures, especially considering the number of commercial trucks that frequent this route.
In the aftermath of the crash, Highway 99 was closed for several hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the scene. Traffic was diverted to nearby roads, causing significant delays for morning commuters. By late afternoon, the road was reopened, but the emotional toll of the crash lingers for those affected by the loss of life and serious injury.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are expected to review road conditions and traffic patterns on Highway 99, with hopes of preventing further incidents of this nature. The incident also serves as a somber reminder for all drivers to exercise caution, particularly on busy highways and areas prone to accidents.
The loss of life on the roads is always a tragedy, and Wednesday’s crash marks yet another fatal event on an already troubling statistic for Oregon’s highways this year. Family and friends of those involved are undoubtedly facing a difficult time, as they process the shock and loss caused by this tragic accident. Authorities and community members alike hope that increased awareness and action can help prevent future occurrences of such devastating crashes on the state’s roadways.
For those affected by the crash or for any witnesses who wish to come forward with additional information, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office remains a key contact as the investigation progresses.