Unlicensed driver causes multi-car smashup in Wilkes

INCLUDES AFTERMATH VIDEO | When you see the result of this one, you’ll be surprised that no one was killed – or even seriously injured – in this outer East Portland wreck …

This upside-down Toyota Highlander SUV is just one of the smashed up vehicles after the crash, which was blamed on a red-light-running driver who didn’t have a driver’s license – in Wilkes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The weather was balmy and dry weather on Monday evening, October 14, but the sound of a mighty crash drew many neighbors in the Wilkes Community Group out to view the aftermath of a grinding smashup. Many wondered aloud how such a severe wreck could have taken place at the intersection of NE Glisan Street and 148th Avenue. Well, it apparently occurred when a vehicle ran a red light.

Because of the severity of the crash, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) North Precinct officers were speedily dispatched at 7:32 p.m. to what was described as an “Accident-with-Injury”.

See our video of the aftermath of this violent collision:

First-arriving officers found a Toyota Highlander SUV on its top at the northeast corner of the intersection, with the front of its hood coming to rest on the curb.

A red Chevrolet compact SUV had popped up over the curb, also at the intersection’s northeast corner – then smashed through a steel chain-link fence and ended up in the yard of a home – just missing a large, sturdy tree.

Wreckers get into position to tow away two vehicles, both damaged beyond repair.

Stopped, further east was yet another vehicle, which had only minor damage according to observers at the scene.

None of those standing around at the crash site actually saw the accident occur, they said, but they certainly did hear the loud, concussive “thud” as the vehicles collided. One of the neighbors saw occupants crawl out of the smashed vehicles. However, in the end, it turned out that no ambulances were needed this time.

A wrecker driver documents the damage to the Chevy SUV before it’s towed away.

“This was a crash involving numerous vehicles,” PPB Public Information Manager Mike Benner confirmed to East Portland News the next day. “It does not appear there were any injuries. One person was cited for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device [running a red light], Driving Uninsured, and for not having a driver’s license,” concluded Benner.

A Portland Police officer speaks with the responsible “unlicensed driver” after the crash.

The investigation is continuing. If you have information about this crash, send it by email to crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov – and refer to the Case No. 24-264138.

© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™

 

 

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