Driver Extricated After Rollover Crash On Highway 42 Near Tenmile

TENMILE, Ore. - A driver was taken to Mercy Medical Center after a rollover crash on Highway 42 near milepost 65 Thursday morning.

Tenmile Rural Fire District was dispatched shortly before noon after reports that a vehicle had left the roadway, struck a utility pole, rolled onto its roof and landed in a ditch. Initial reports also indicated the driver was trapped inside the vehicle.

The crash brought power lines down across both lanes of Highway 42, creating a dangerous scene for first responders and forcing the highway to be closed in both directions while crews worked to make the area safe.

Tenmile Fire unit 2094 arrived and established Highway 42 Command. Engine 2030 arrived seconds later, followed by a rescue unit, additional support vehicle and chief unit. Crews quickly assessed the scene, stabilized the overturned vehicle and began rescue operations.

Firefighters found one person trapped inside the vehicle. Using hydraulic rescue tools, Tenmile crews were able to extricate the driver, who was then turned over to Central Douglas Fire & Rescue for medical care and transport to Mercy Medical Center.

Tenmile RFD said it had five units and eight personnel on scene.

The response also included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Transportation and Douglas Electric Cooperative. OSP assisted with traffic control and the crash investigation, ODOT helped manage the roadway closure, and Douglas Electric responded to the damaged utility pole and downed power lines.

Officials used the crash as a reminder for drivers to slow down, stay alert and use caution around emergency scenes. Downed power lines should always be treated as dangerous, and the public should stay well away until utility crews can make the area safe.

Tenmile Fire said it wishes the patient a full and speedy recovery.