Corvallis Fire Responds to Fatal Crash at 53rd Street Train Trestle

March 5, 2024 - 53rd Street is closed between Touchstone Place and Reservoir Road on the west side of Corvallis following a fatal single vehicle crash on March 4 that severely damaged the train trestle.

The call reporting a motor vehicle crash near the trestle came in shortly after 10 p.m. on Monday, March 4. Corvallis Fire dispatched a medic unit, two engines, and a battalion chief.

The battalion chief arrived to find a severely damaged vehicle that had collided with the wooden beams supporting the train track as it passes over 53rd Street. Both the vehicle and the train trestle were on fire, and the driver was located outside of the vehicle.

The battalion chief established command, attempted to knock down the fire with a portable extinguisher, and searched the vehicle looking for additional victims. The fire could not be controlled by the extinguisher. CFD crews arrived, initiated patient care with the driver, attacked the fire that was threatening the trestle, and searched the area for other victims. No other patients were found.

The driver of the car was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Per the Sheriff’s Office, 53rd Street will be closed for some time while the investigation and subsequent repairs take place.