PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) –Multiple agencies are investigating a crash that took place near Government Island involving at least one vehicle.
In a Sunday morning statement, Portland Police said a person had sustained life-threatening injuries in the crash. However, in a Sunday night update, police said that statement was made in error—the driver involved in the crash has not been found.
Police said a man was believed to be the sole driver of the car when it went into the river. However, after the sheriff’s dive team searched the area, authorities were unable to find him. The car was pulled from the river.
Portland Fire & Rescue–along with Gresham Fire and Port of Portland Fire–responded to a car going into the Columbia River just after 6 a.m. Sunday morning. The Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team also responded. Officials closed the road to traffic in both directions on NE Marine Drive from 33rd Avenue to 122nd Avenue for several hours. The roads reopened shortly before 1 p.m.
NE Marine Dr: PF&R crews a long with help from Gresham Fire and Port of Portland Fire are on scene at the report of a car in the river. Crews are investigating for possible injuries.
— Portland Fire&Rescue (@PDXFire) May 17, 2020
Marine Dr. is closed between 33rd and 122nd. Please avoid the area. #alert
This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day.
Editor’s note: The story initially listed the “Willamette River” in reference to the location of the crash instead of the Columbia River. KOIN 6 News apologizes for the mistake.
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