On Monday, July 1, 2024, at 6:35 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 30, 3-miles west of Burnt Woods in Lincoln County. The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Toyota Rav4, operated by 29-year old Jose Manuel Zapata of Portland, attempted to pass a Dodge Ram 2500 with a trailer, operated by 78-year old Raphael Francis Spielman of Gaston, and struck an eastbound Acura TL, operated by 34- year old Scott Thomas Novotny of Newport. The collision caused all three vehicles to come to an uncontrolled rest along the highway.
Zapata, who is not believed to be wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene. The passenger in the Toyota, 31-year old Joseph Mauricio Cruz of Portland, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Novotny was transported to an area hospital where they were declared deceased. The operator of the Dodge Mr. Spielman and passenger, 75-year old Janice Kay Spielman of Gaston, were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is believed to be unsafe passing. OSP was assisted by Toledo Fire and ODOT.
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