Speed leads to crash

The speed limit in that area is 25 miles per hour and Waterbury said the driver, Deborah Rose, 58, of Calif., lost control of the car shortly after 10 a.m. on Nov. 28.

“Speed was definitely a factor in this accident,” he said. The vehicle skidded off the roadway and slammed into a concrete barrier bordering the walkway down to the dock.

A transformer box and a meter box, both serving the dock, were also damaged and had to be inspected by Northern Wasco County Public Utility District personnel.

Paul Titus, assistant general manager and director of engineering for the PUD, said a street light was also knocked over and will have to be replaced. He said there were no power outages as a result of the crash and it is unlikely the transformer box will have to be replaced.

He said the meter box belongs to the City of The Dalles, who will make any repairs that are necessary.

Responding to the scene from the police department were: Sgt. Dan Nelson and Officers Troy Becnel and Sam Perez.

MCF&R Division Chief Dave Lapof was in charge of the medics who helped get the two occupants, who were trapped inside the vehicle, to safety.

Rose and a 51-year-old male passenger were transported via ambulance to Mid-Columbia Medical Center for treatment of injuries. The vehicle was totalled.

Waterbury said the passenger was then Lifeflighted to Legacy Emanuel in Portland for more intensive trauma care.

Rose was charged by officers at the scene with careless driving. Waterbury said the case has been turned over to District Attorney Eric Nisley, who will determine if other charges should be filed.