DUII Driver causes head-on crash west of Corvallis

By KVAL News Published: Aug 5, 2012 at 1:13 PM PDT
DUII Driver causes head-on crash west of Corvallis
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CORVALLIS, Ore. -- An intoxicated driver flipped over his pickup, landing in the middle of Highway 20 Saturday afternoon when a passing van crashed into the truck head-on, the Benton County Sheriff's Office said.

Leading up to the crash, 911 dispatchers received several calls that a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was driving erratically with a possible intoxicated driver.

The crash happened just west of Corvallis on Highway 20 when the pickup was driving eastbound. At around 4:45 p.m. the driver, Biet Nguyen of Portland, went off the right side of the road into the gravel shoulder, over-corrected left and flipped the pickup onto its roof.

The truck continued down Highway 20 and into the path of a westbound Econoline Van driven by Stephen Sever, 63 of Corvallis. Sever hit the truck head-on, colliding with the front driver's side of the Toyota Tacoma.

After the crash, the truck came to a stop back in the eastbound lane. The 69-year-old Nguyen had to be removed from the truck by Philomath Fire crews. He was taken to the Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where he is being treated for serious injuries.

The van stopped in the westbound lane's ditch where it soon caught fire. Sever crawled out of the driver-side window before the engine fire spread to the cab of the van. The cab was completely burned by the time the Philomath Fire Department arrived on-scene to put it out.

Severs was also taken to Good Samaritan, treated for minor injuries and released.

Nguyen was issued citations for Assault, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Reckless Driving. He is listed in serious condition as of Sunday morning.

The crash closed down Highway 20 for nearly three hours while crews worked to clear the crash site.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. BCSO is continuing an investigation into the crash.

Benton County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has any additional information to contact Sergeant David Peterson at 541-766-6820.