GRESHAM, Ore. — A single-vehicle crash in Gresham on Friday evening left one person with life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a utility pole and an apartment building, according to police.
Shortly before 5:30 p.m., Gresham police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to reports of a crash near Northeast 181st Avenue and Northeast Couch Street.
Investigators determined that the vehicle left the roadway, collided with a utility pole, and then came to rest against a nearby apartment building. The driver was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
The apartment building sustained minor, non-structural damage. No injuries to residents were reported.
The collision also caused significant disruptions in the area. Roads were closed and traffic signals were affected for several hours as utility crews worked to repair the damaged pole and downed wires.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Police used the incident as a reminder of the importance of seatbelt use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly worn seatbelts greatly reduce the risk of being ejected during a crash, including rollover collisions. NHTSA estimates that lap and shoulder belts reduce the risk of death for front-seat passenger car occupants by 45% and lower the risk of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%. The safety benefits are even greater for occupants of light trucks and similar vehicles.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact Gresham Police.
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