Deadly Collision on Cordon Road
A tragic crash in Marion County has left four young people dead and several others injured, prompting serious charges against the driver. Authorities say 23-year-old Saul Hernandez-Robiero of Salem is facing multiple counts of manslaughter following the Saturday evening crash.
The collision happened shortly before 8 p.m. near 2400 Cordon Road NE, when Hernandez-Robiero’s Volkswagen Jetta crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Buick Enclave, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Four Killed in the Jetta
There were six occupants in the Jetta at the time of the crash. Investigators reported that four passengers, all seated in the back, died at the scene. Authorities described the victims as being in their “late teens to early 20s.”
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Hernandez-Robiero and another front-seat passenger sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a local hospital. Both survived and received medical treatment before Hernandez-Robiero was taken into custody.
Buick Driver and Children Injured
The driver of the Buick Enclave, along with two children who were passengers, were also transported to Salem Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Officials did not release additional details about their conditions but confirmed that none of the injuries appeared life-threatening.
The crash shut down part of Cordon Road for hours as deputies, medical teams, and reconstruction specialists worked the scene.
DUII and Manslaughter Charges
After being treated for his injuries, Hernandez-Robiero was booked into the Marion County Jail. He now faces a series of serious charges, including:
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Four counts of Manslaughter
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Five counts of Reckless Endangerment
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Reckless Driving
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Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII)
He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Monday afternoon.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the possibility of impaired driving. The sheriff’s office confirmed that alcohol or other intoxicants are believed to have been factors.
Crash reconstruction teams are also reviewing speed, road conditions, and passenger seating positions to piece together the full sequence of events.
Community Impact
The deaths of four young people in a single crash have shaken the Salem community. Friends and relatives of the victims gathered near the crash site over the weekend, leaving flowers and notes in remembrance.
Sheriff’s officials described the crash as “devastating” and urged drivers to make responsible choices, particularly when it comes to drinking and driving. “The consequences of impaired driving can be tragic and irreversible,” the office said in a statement.
What Comes Next
As Hernandez-Robiero awaits his first court appearance, prosecutors will begin preparing the case. If convicted, he could face decades in prison. Authorities emphasized that further updates will be provided once victim identifications are complete and the investigation advances.
For now, Marion County mourns the loss of four young lives cut short, while five others continue to recover from the crash’s aftermath.
