Three people survive wild ride in Fourth of July accident on I-5

Tools

Story Published: Jul 5, 2008 at 9:04 AM PDT

By Dan Bain

SUTHERLIN, Ore. - Three Corvallis people survived a wild ride Friday afternoon when their pickup crashed into the guardrail on Interstate 5 just north of Sutherlin.

Oregon State Police said 56-year-old William Boggess of Corvallis was traveling southbound up Sutherlin Hill when his 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup drifted off the road onto a grassy shoulder just before where the guardrail starts near the top of the hill.

Police said the pickup went about 350 feet along a steep embankment before Boggess tried to correct. The truck smashed into the guardrail trying to get back on the freeway and took out about 50 feet of railing and posts before ending up straddling the rail.

Boggess and two teenage boys who were with him were not injured and no other vehicles were involved.

Police said if the vehicle had gone over the embankment, it would have likely crashed into some large trees, and the accident could have been much worse.

Officers said Boggess apparently fell asleep just before the crash.

Current Weather

Icon
Current Temp 47.0 °F
Overcast
Video
More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected

Viewer Poll

Do you agree with the University of Oregon's decision to let Ernie Kent go?

  • Yes, we need a new coach for the new arena
  • No, he deserves a season in the new arena
  • Who is Ernie Kent?