Two Killed in Head-On Crash Involving Log Trucks on Highway 204

UNION COUNTY, Ore. — Two drivers were killed Monday morning, October 26, in a crash involving two log trucks on Highway 204 near Elgin, according to Oregon State Police.

Troopers responded to the two-vehicle crash near milepost 36.5 at approximately 5:54 a.m.

The preliminary investigation found that a westbound, unloaded Kenworth log truck driven by Scott Charles Caldwell, 55, of Adams, veered into the oncoming lane to avoid a deer.

As Caldwell attempted to steer back into the westbound lane, his truck became positioned sideways across the roadway. A fully loaded eastbound Kenworth log truck, driven by Curtis William Gammond, 54, of Pendleton, then struck Caldwell’s truck. The collision caused the trucks to catch fire.

Both Caldwell and Gammond were pronounced dead at the scene.

The highway was affected for approximately seven hours while investigators worked at the crash site.

The La Grande Fire Department, Elgin Rural Fire Department and Oregon Department of Transportation assisted Oregon State Police with the response.

The crash remains under investigation.