A pair of fatal crashes occur on Klamath County roadways
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KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. - Several vehicle crashes have been reported in recent days in Klamath County. Most have been related to weather, two were fatal.
On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at approximately 9:59 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash including a motorcycle on Oregon Highway 97 near milepost 232, four miles south of the Silver Lake Junction.
Preliminary investigation revealed a Honda motorcycle, operated by John Fairbanks, 56, of unknown, was northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a Pontiac G6 operated by Roberto Salinas, 32, of Sanger, CA.
Fairbanks sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Salinas sustained minor injuries.
On Sunday, November 8, 2020, at approximately 9:40 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Oregon Highway 97 near milepost 181, four miles south of Gilchrest.
Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Tacoma, operated by Heriberto Pacheco Madrigal, 35, of Sunnyside, WA. was northbound when it lost traction on the ice, slid into the southbound lane, and collided with a Toyota Tundra operated by Daniel Frank, 63, of Redding, CA.
Pacheco Madrigal and his passengers, Silvia Pacheco Madrigal, 29, of Sunnyside, WA, and two minor children, were transported to the hospital.
Frank and his passenger, Cheryl Frank, 63, of Redding, CA. were transported to the hospital. Cheryl Frank sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
A third vehicle, Ford Explorer, involved and the occupants were uninjured.
Weather and roadway conditions were a factor in this crash.
Additional crashes and slide-offs were reported over the weekend due to the icy conditions. Including a semi-truck slid off the Oregon Highway 140 near Rocky Point on Sunday evening.
Winter road conditions persist on many of Oregon’s roadways and mountain passes. Please use caution when traveling, carry chains or traction tires, and visit the KFN Weather Camera Page or Tripcheck.com for the latest conditions.