La Pine Crash Sends Driver to Hospital, Closes Roads for Several Hours

LA PINE, Ore. — A single-vehicle crash Monday morning sent a Midstate Electric truck driver to the hospital and temporarily closed portions of Finley Butte Road and Wheeler Road.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the crash on Finley Butte Road at approximately 10:51 a.m. Aug. 17. Investigators determined the driver of a Ford F-150 struck a power pole before continuing through a fence and onto private property.

The male driver was the only person in the truck. He was transported to St. Charles Bend by the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District with minor injuries. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.

Deputies said drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash.

The affected sections of Finley Butte Road and Wheeler Road remained closed for several hours while deputies investigated the crash and Midstate Electric crews assessed damage to the electrical infrastructure and worked to ensure the safety of the surrounding neighborhood.

The roads have since reopened. However, deputies are asking motorists to use caution in the area while Midstate Electric crews continue working.

The crash remains under investigation.