Clatsop County officials responded to a tragic multi‑vehicle collision on Highway 30 Saturday night that claimed the life of a local driver and injured three others. The crash involved a westbound pickup, an eastbound pickup, a Ford Transit van transporting Oregon National Guard members, and a second eastbound pickup.
Sequence of events
At approximately 8:56 p.m., Markham Marshall Stangland, 65, of Warrenton, was operating a black Ford Ranger westbound when his vehicle crossed the center line for reasons not yet determined. The Ranger first struck a black Ram 1500 driven by 25‑year‑old Jaden Vinay Govindan of Aloha.
Continuing westward in the eastbound lane, Stangland’s pickup then collided with a Ford Transit van driven by 21‑year‑old Haiden Cunningham of Milwaukie. The van was returning 11 Oregon National Guard members to the Clackamas area after a training exercise at Camp Rilea near Warrenton.
A green Ford F‑100 pickup, driven by 29‑year‑old Gregory Louis Wavra of Longview, Washington, was unable to stop in time and struck both the Ranger and the Transit van, completing the four‑vehicle pile‑up.
Casualties and response
Stangland was pronounced dead at the scene. Police noted he was not believed to have been wearing a seat belt. Cunningham suffered serious injuries and was transported to a regional hospital. Govindan and Wavra each sustained minor injuries and were also taken for medical care.
The collision prompted a mass‑casualty response. Emergency services from the Clatskanie, Knappa, and Astoria fire departments, Medix Ambulance Service, the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Astoria Police Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Washington State Patrol worked together to secure the scene, treat the injured, and clear the highway. Highway 30 remained closed for roughly four hours while crews completed cleanup and investigation.
Impact on the community
The accident underscores the risks faced by both civilian drivers and service members traveling on Oregon’s coastal highways. Local officials praised the swift, coordinated effort of multiple agencies and reminded motorists to observe safe driving practices, especially on rural routes where visibility and lane discipline are critical.
Members of the Oregon National Guard expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from first responders and the community. The Guard’s public affairs office noted that the service members involved were returning from a routine training event and that no Guard personnel were killed.
Investigation
Oregon State Police are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the initial lane crossing. Authorities have not released any information regarding impairment, vehicle malfunction, or road conditions at the time of the crash.
Residents who witnessed the collision or have additional information are encouraged to contact the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
