This embedded content is not available in your region.
A Florence woman died in a head-on car crash Tuesday as a result of an oil spill on Highway 126 near milepost 19, east of Mapleton.
The Oregon State Police says troopers responded to the scene of a four-vehicle crash at 3:15 p.m. where they learned a westbound Kenworth log truck was passing through the Knowles Creek Tunnel when a catastrophic engine failure caused a 200-yard-long oil spill.
The log truck, operated by Billy Coder, 50 of Myrtle Point, exited the tunnel and parked along the side of the roadway.
A westbound Nissan Rogue, operated by Mary Dale, 65, of Florence, lost control in the oil slick and crashed into the logging truck before moving off the highway.
Another westbound vehicle, operated by Radiant Gaines, 48, of Eugene, lost control in the oil slick, crossed into the eastbound lane and struck an eastbound Chevrolet HHR, operated by Christine Weather of Florence, head-on.
Weathers died at the scene, while Gaines suffered serious injuries and was taken to a medical center, officials said.
OSP said the highway was impacted for approximately 9.5 hours during an on-scene investigation.
Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon woman dies after oil spill, crash on Highway 126
