On February 4, 2019 at approximately 9:40 AM, Oregon State Police troopers and additional emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle two person fatal motor vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 101 approximately three miles South of North Bend.
Preliminary investigation indicates at the time of the crash, it was snowing, and the roadway was slushy. A 1999 Ford F150, driven by 36-year-old Jesse Praus from North Bend was northbound in the fast lane when Praus lost control of the Ford and crossed the centerline.
The Ford pick-up struck a southbound 2015 Ford CMAX, driven by 58-year-old Susan Dixon from North Bend. Both Dixon and a ten-year female passenger, from the Ford F150, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Praus and a seven-year-old passenger, from the Ford F150, were transported to the Bay Area Hospital with serious injuries.
Due to the road conditions at the time of the crash, speed is being considered as a contributing factor.