On Thursday, January 12, 2017, at about 9:30 a.m., Newport Police Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash and injuries at the intersection of US Hwy 101 and Olive Street. The intersection was temporarily blocked.

Subsequent investigation determined John L. Burgund, age 81 of Newport, was operating a 2006 Chevy HHR. Burgund had been traveling eastbound on West Olive Street. Burgund failed to obey a traffic control device, and entered the intersection of Hwy 101 on a red light. Burgund impacted the left side of a northbound 2003 Dodge pickup. The Dodge pickup was operated by Diane Erskine-Sutter, age 78 of Seal Rock. Both drivers were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles. Each driver was transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.

Traffic was re-routed through the intersection, and around the crash scene, for approximately one and a half hours while emergency crews worked to investigate and clear the roadway. The Newport Police Department, and Oregon State Police, were assisted on scene by the Newport Fire Department, Pacific West Ambulance, Oregon Department of Transportation, and AA Rowley’s Towing.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.