2 People Injured In Car Versus Tractor Crash In Gaston

GASTON, OR — After crashing into two tractors in Gaston Wednesday night, two people were extricated from their car and delivered by Life Flight to area hospitals with non-life-threatening but minor-serious injuries, according to Forest Grove Fire & Rescue officials.

Around 8:40 p.m. Aug. 9, a silver 2006 Pontiac Solstice was traveling north on Front Street (Highway 47) when its driver clipped a southbound tractor trailer. The collision reportedly caused the Pontiac to swing into the southbound lane and into the path of a second tractor that was following the first.

Apparently unable to stop in time, the second tractor — weighing roughly 15,000 pounds — ultimately came to rest on top of the Pontiac, trapping its two occupants, officials said.

The tractors were reportedly operated by two teens — a 15 and 17-year-old — who had the licenses necessary to legally drive the equipment.

Multiple agencies were called to the scene to assist with the extrication and rescue effort, including Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Metro West Ambulance, Life Flight Network, Hillsboro Towing, ODOT, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office and assisting agencies, officials said.

After an hour and a half of work, rescuers were able to lift the tractor off the Pontiac and remove the male and female occupants from the car, officials said.

While the investigation is on-going, officials reportedly do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

In a statement, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue asked commuters to be mindful of farm equipment on local, rural roadways as they move from field to field working to process local crops. Officials ask that drivers stay prepared to encounter slow moving or wide equipment traveling down country roadways.

Photo Courtesy: Forest Grove Fire & Rescue