A tragic accident occurred on Thursday on Interstate 5 near Albany, Oregon, resulting in the loss of seven lives and causing injuries to several others, according to the police.

The Oregon State Police issued a statement stating that the crash involved two semi trucks and a passenger vehicle, taking place in the northbound lanes approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Albany near the Santiam rest area.

The identities of the victims have not been disclosed, and the police did not provide specific details about the number of individuals injured in the incident, the Associated Press reported.

According to the Albany Democrat-Herald, the passenger vehicle involved was a van. The scene was attended by the Marion County medical examiner, with bodies covered in plastic visible in a nearby field. A Life Flight helicopter was reported to have departed from the location around 2:45 p.m.

Authorities took measures to preserve the integrity of the investigation, including covering the wrecked van with a blue tarp and placing a barrier near one of the trucks to shield the scene from public view.

The incident is a devastating reminder of the potential dangers on the road and the profound impact on the lives of those affected by such accidents.

Written by staff