Double Trouble: Two Semi

Two trucks being removed from Columbia River.

By Joshuah Albert

Biggs Or. Aug 29, 2023 - On the late evening of August 25th, Oregon State Police Troopers swiftly responded to an urgent call regarding a significant incident involving a semi-truck that had veered off I-84 westbound, crashing into the Columbia River near milepost 103.

The incident unfolded when the driver of a double-trailer semi-truck collided with an abandoned Mercedes parked on the shoulder of the freeway at around 8:50 p.m.

The force of the collision not only propelled the Mercedes through the guardrail but also sent the semi-truck careening into the Columbia River. Astonishingly, both the driver, Anthony Craig Conway, 44 of Umatilla and the passenger, Derek Wood, of the semi truck emerged from the wreckage unscathed, according to the Oregon State Police log.

First truck crash.

In the subsequent hours, Arlington Towing was summoned to recover the stranded Mercedes.

Meanwhile, Northwestern Towing and officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) converged on the scene, deliberating the intricate process of extricating the submerged semi-truck from the river's depths. Ultimately, it was determined that this complex operation should be deferred until daylight hours to ensure its safe execution.

ODOT truck that got hit during the second crash.

While the collaborative efforts of Northwestern Towing and ODOT were focused on meticulously orchestrating the retrieval strategy for the semi-truck, a secondary calamity occurred.

A second semi, hauling two fuel tanker trailers, collided with an unoccupied ODOT vehicle conspicuously displaying its emergency lights near the site of the first collission at about 12.25 a.m. - just three and a half hours later.

This secondary collision propelled the second semi-truck into the same watery shoal, adjacent to the first wreckage—just three hours after the initial wreck.

Second truck crash

Miraculously, the driver of the tanker truck emerged unharmed from the incident as well, according to reports.

A subsequent investigation led by the police indicated that the driver of the second truck, Bret C. Deshirlia, 40, had likely succumbed to drowsiness, precipitating the collision with the ODOT vehicle. Fortunately, the fuel tanks of the second truck were found to be empty. The task of retrieving the ODOT vehicle was entrusted to Purdy's Towing.

Highway blocked off as workers remove trucks.

The following morning, a temporary closure of the highway was necessary to facilitate the arduous process of extracting both ill-fated trucks from the waters of the Columbia River. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of fatigue while operating vehicles and highlights the paramount importance of road safety measures.

El Grito returns to White Salmon’s Rheingarten Park on Sunday, September 17, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. as the kick-off event for Hispanic Heritage Month on the Washington side of the Gorge. All are welcome, and admission is free.

The Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the annual Huckleberry Festival in Daubenspeck Park beginning Friday, September 8, 2023, with Opening Ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. No charge for entry. Come celebrate everything huckleberry all weekend long up to 5 p.m. Sunday with a diverse array of vendors to select from.

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