Five people, including an infant were killed after their vehicle collided with a semi truck on Highway 97 in Klamath County Wednesday. An 11 year-old female was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. According to Oregon State Police, On January 17, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., OSP responded to a commercial motor vehicle versus passenger vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 193.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Juan Ochoa Bravo, 39 of Bend, was traveling northbound when it lost control and slid into the southbound travel lane. A southbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Iskanyan Avetis Vardani, 56 of Los Angeles, attempted to avoid the Chrysler by swerving off the southbound shoulder of the highway. The front passenger side of the Chrysler collided with the front end of the Peterbilt causing significant damage and sending the Chrysler spinning across the northbound lane.
Bravo, Eve Saldana Alcantar, 37, Erik Ochoa Saldana,18, a female juvenile, 15, and a male infant were declared deceased at the scene.
An additional 11-year-old female juvenile passenger was transported to a local medical center with critical injuries.
The operator of the Peterbilt was reportedly not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions and several passengers not wearing proper safety restraints are primary factors in the crash.
OSP was assisted by Crescent Fire and ODOT.
