UMATILLA, Ore. — UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: UCSO is investigating a multi-car crash that sent several people to the hospital outside of Hermiston
According to the Umatilla Sheriff’s Office, the crash involved at least four cars with six to eight people with injuries. The crash occurred on Umatilla River Road near Cooney Lane around 5 p.m. on Christmas.
Umatilla County Sheriff’s Deputies and Umatilla Fire District #1 responded to the crash and additional resources were requested for a mass casualty incident, according to a UCSO press release.
Oregon State Police, Hermiston Police, Umatilla Police and Stanfield Police all responded to the crash.
Nine people were injured in the crash, seven of them critically, including two children, according to the UCSO.
The crash happened when a car going southbound on Umatilla River Road hit a car heading north at a high rate of speed. After the first crash another southbound car hit the second car while trying to avoid hitting the first car.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, however, the driver of the first car may have been impaired, according to the UCSO.
Drivers are asked to use caution if driving through the area or find alternative routes.
This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to report timely and accurate information as we get it.
