Deadly Crash on I-5 in Ridgefield, Washington
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KATU Television in Portland, Oregon reported that a man from Austria lost his life on Interstate 5 Thursday afternoon in a fiery crash involving a semi-truck and several other vehicles.
The crash happened around 4:40 p.m. on I-5 southbound in the area of the Ridgefield Junction (exit 14). Apparently traffic was slowing due to a lane closure for construction. A chain reaction crash began when a semi-truck rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Highlander that had stopped for traffic.
In most cases serious accidents are investigated by the State Patrol's MAIT (Major Accident Investigation Team).
According to reports the investigation shows that the semi, which still had the Toyota Highlander wedged under its front bumper, then rear-ended a station wagon and an SUV. The SUV then rear-ended another vehicle.
A man from Austria was driving the Toyota Highlander, which was a rental. He was killed in the collision. He has been identified as Amir Hozaien, a 27-year-old resident of Vienna, Austria.
When an injury accident involves a rental car there may be several kinds of insurance coverage available. However, insurance companies are typically reluctant to explain the nature and extent of these coverages to injured persons. That's one of the reasons why it's important to retain a personal injury attorney.
Several others were injured in the crash.
Diego J. Ayala, the driver of the semi, sustained chest and neck injuries.
Karen S. Ruse, the driver the Suzuki, sustained a laceration to the back of her head, along with neck and back injuries.
Marian J. Peterson, an 80-year-old resident of Seattle, was a passenger in the Suzuki and sustained neck and back injuries.
Jennifer R. Nagel, the driver of the Honda Passport, sustained minor burns to her right hand and forehead, along with a back injury.
Karen A. Brooks, a 40-year-old resident of Vancouver, was a passenger in the Honda Passport and sustained bleeding to the brain, as well as sore ribs and a sore back.
Brenda A. Castaneda, a 45-year-old resident of Vancouver, was a passenger in the Honda Passport. She sustained burns to 20 percent of her body, bleeding to the brain, a fractured pelvis and a fractured right ankle.
Orion D. Ifland, the driver of the Nissan Sentra, sustained neck and back injuries.
Rebecca L. Ifland, a 26-year-old resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, was a passenger in the Nissan Sentra. She sustained neck and back injuries. She is also five months pregnant and is being monitored at the hospital.
Melissa M. Barry, the driver of the Ford Escort, sustained neck and back injuries.