State Police: 'Serious Injury Crash' on McKenzie Hwy

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- Oregon State Police reported a 'serious injury traffic accident' on Highway 126E Sunday afternoon.

The crash happened on McKenzie Highway (126E) near the intersection of Holden Creek Lane. OSP blocked the highway west of Leaburg for around two hours around 2:oo in the afternoon. The highway is clear to traffic at this time.

Police said a black Chevrolet Corvette, driven by 76-year-old Verne Dowty from Springfield, failed to stop while approaching the Highway intersection from Holden Creek Lane. The Corvette broad-sided a Nissan Quest minivan with four Redmond women inside.

A KVAL reporter at the scene said that Dowty's Corvette was taken from the side of the road and loaded onto a tow truck. KVAL also reported that the minivan was hauled out of the ditch next to the roadway.

Dowty was transported by an ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center with serious injuries.

Police said that 66-year-old Mary Montoya, 33-year-old Megan Martens, 84-year-old Bettie Bessonette and 60-year-old Diana Cardwell were inside the van.

All four women were transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend; Cardwell was transported via Life Flight helicopter and is reported in serious condition. Montoya and Bessonette were released after treatment for minor injuries. Martens is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.