Alcohol Now Probable Factor in Deadly Oregon Crash Tuesday

Three people were seriously hurt, one critically, in the accident near Madras on Highway 97 Tuesday.

Shortly before 4pm, a Chevy Trail Blazer driven by 31-year-old Justin L. Miller of Warm Springs, OR was trying to turn off Highway 97 onto NE Jefferson St. near Madras when it was hit by a commercial truck driven by 61-year-old Rodney D. Jantzen of Artois, CA.  Officials say Miller abruptly turned right in front of the fast-moving semi.

The collision knocked the Chevy into the path of another commercial truck, driven by 22-year-old Kamallpreet S. Mann of Yuba City, CA.   Both commercial truck drivers were not injured, but Miller and two passengers were seriously hurt.   Oregon State Patrol officials have not confirmed if Miller and his passengers were wearing their seat belts.

Authorities say alcohol a likely factor in the crash, but did not say if Miller is being charged with DUI.  The investigation continues.