Fatal Highway 30 Crash Kills Driver, Injures 13 Oregon National Guard Members

Key points

• One person died and 13 Oregon National Guard members were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 30 near milepost 85 in Clatsop County on September 12.
• The crash involved a westbound Ford Ranger that crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a Ram 1500, a Ford Transit van carrying 11 Guard members, and a Ford F-100 pickup.
• The driver of the Ford Ranger, 65-year-old Markham Marshall Stangland of Warrenton, died at the scene; investigators believe he was not wearing a seatbelt.
• The Ford Transit van driver, 21-year-old Spc. Haiden Cunningham of Milwaukie, suffered serious injuries, while the other two drivers sustained minor injuries.
• The incident prompted a mass-casualty response involving multiple regional emergency agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, and closed Highway 30 for about four hours.

Background

This incident follows a series of recent transportation tragedies, including a Dutch tour bus crash in Switzerland and a private plane crash in the Bahamas, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding road and travel safety.

How outlets are covering it

KPTV and KATU reported that 13 National Guard members were injured, while KTVZ noted 15 Guard members were involved in the crash across two vehicles, with 13 sustaining injuries. All sources agree on the fatality of the Ford Ranger driver and the mass-casualty response, but differ slightly on the total number of Guard members involved versus those injured.

Why it matters

The crash underscores the risks of highway travel and the importance of seatbelt use, as the deceased driver was not wearing one. It also highlights the coordination of emergency services in mass-casualty events involving military personnel.

What to watch

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, and three National Guard members remain hospitalized as of the latest reports.