Scary Bus Accidents in Oregon
Oregon, known for its natural beauty and vibrant communities, has also been the site of some haunting bus accidents that have left indelible marks on the state’s history. From icy roads to structural failures, these incidents serve as reminders of the risks associated with public transportation.Â
In 2021, Oregon saw a total of 45,295 reported crashes, resulting in 35,945 injuries and 599 fatal crashes recorded. [1]
Here are the top five scariest bus accidents in Oregon’s history, their causes, and the lessons learned.
1. On December 23, 1965, a Greyhound bus crash on Interstate 5 near Gold Hill resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 25 others.
2. A tour bus crash on Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon on December 30, 2012, caused 9 fatalities and over 2 dozen injuries.
3. A train collided with a school bus in Oregon on September 8, 1976, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to several others.
4. A collision between a car and a bus occurred on Highway 99E near Woodburn, Oregon on February 03, 2021, resulting in three fatalities and three injuries.
5. On August 30th, 2023, a TriMet Bus drove into a tree in Portland, injuring the driver and several passengers. Â
A Greyhound bus crashed on Interstate 5 near Gold Hill just before midnight on December 23, 1965, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 25 others.
The Greyhound bus accident on Interstate 5 near Gold Hill on December 23, 1965, is considered one of the scariest bus accidents in Oregon history. The tragic incident occurred just before midnight when the bus, carrying 39 passengers, veered off the road and crashed into a guardrail.
The crash had a significant impact, leading to the deaths of 14 individuals and injuries to 25 others. The cause of the accident was that the bus hit a patch of ice, causing it to fishtail. The vehicle spun around, left the freeway, crashed down a hillside, and rolled multiple times, according to passengers. [2]
On December 30, 2012, a tour bus crash on Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon resulted in 9 fatalities and over 2 dozen injuries.
On December 30, 2012, a tragic bus accident occurred on Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon, making it one of the scariest bus accidents in the state’s history. The tour bus was carrying a group of passengers who were returning from a trip to Las Vegas when it crashed near Pendleton.
The accident was caused by icy road conditions, leading to a tour bus crashing through a guardrail and falling 100 feet down a steep embankment. On a curve, the bus lost control, rolled over, and resulted in 9 fatalities and over two dozen injuries.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved with winter driving conditions. [3]
A train collided with a school bus in Oregon on September 8, 1976, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to several others.
On September 8, 1976, one of the scariest bus accidents in Oregon history occurred when a train collided with a school bus in a tragic accident that left two children dead and several others injured. The incident sent shockwaves through the community.
The school bus was carrying a group of children home from school when it approached a railroad crossing in rural Oregon. Despite warning signals, the bus driver attempted to cross the tracks as a train was approaching. The train was travelling about 25 miles per hour and there was no crossing arm at the intersection involved. [4]
A head-on collision between a car and a bus on Highway 99E near Woodburn resulted in three fatalities and three injuries on February 3, 2021.
On February 3, 2021, a tragic bus accident occurred on Highway 99E near Woodburn, Oregon, that left three people dead and three others injured. The accident involved a head-on collision between a car and a bus.
The bus was carrying passengers on their daily commute when the car crossed over into oncoming traffic and crashed into the bus head-on. The impact of the collision was severe. [5]
When a TriMet bus drove into a tree in Portland in 2023, it resulted in multiple serious injuries.
The accident took place on NE Glison Street around 8 a.m. on an August morning. The TriMet bus drove directly into a tree, causing severe injuries to the bus driver as well as injuries to many of the bus passengers. Six passengers were taken to the hospital following this accident. [6]
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a bus accident, remember you’re not alone. Contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced bus accident attorneys in Oregon for a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] 2021 Oregon Traffic Crash Summary . (n.d.). Oregon Department Transportation . Retrieved June 2023, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2021.pdf
[2] Oregon bus crash. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2013, from https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2013/01/oregon_bus_crash_oregons_deadl.html
[3] Today, U. (2012, December 31). 9 killed in tour bus crash along Oregon highway. AP. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/30/oregon-tour-bus-crash/1799169
[4] 2 Children Killed as Train Hits School Bus in Oregon. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 1976, from https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/09/archives/2-children-killed-as-train-hits-school-bus-in-oregon.html
[5] 3 die, 3 injured after head-on crash between car and bus near Woodburn. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2021, from https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/marion-county/2-die-4-injured-in-head-on-crash-between-car-and-bus-near-woodburn/283-0afb5ceb-ea41-48f7-96b3-ccca397d2b01
[6] Staff, F. 1. (2023, August 30). Several passengers, driver injured in TriMet bus crash. https://www.kptv.com. https://www.kptv.com/2023/08/30/trimet-bus-crash-injures-several-passengers-driver-police/
