Head-on collision causes brief bridge closure

Around 10:30 a.m., a vehicle heading southbound crossed the center line and struck another car heading in the opposite direction. Neither vehicle hit the bridge itself, and both drivers elected to be transported to the hospital via ambulance as a precaution. No serious injuries were reported, according to Amanda Rose, director of real estate for the Port of Hood River.

Rose described the incident as a matter of driver error.

Port staff were on scene in less than five minutes to make initial damage assessments. In coordination with the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol, one lane was safely reopened to allow vehicles to pass, she said. Once the remaining vehicles left the bridge, both lanes were closed for under 15 minutes to allow two tow trucks to remove both vehicles involved in the collision. Within approximately an hour of the accident, the bridge fully open and traffic moving normally again.

Rose commended the facilities crew for their quick response, efficiency, and their support in managing traffic flow and ensuring no further issues arose during the response. She also reminded drivers to stay in their vehicles if there are future incidents on the bridge.