PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Three people were hospitalized Sunday afternoon after a dramatic crash sent two vehicles tumbling down an embankment near Sauvie Island, according to Portland Fire & Rescue (PFR).
The incident occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m. near the intersection of Northwest St. Helens Road and Harborton Drive, a stretch of roadway known for its sharp curves and limited visibility. Emergency crews arrived to find two cars that had plunged down a steep, brush-covered slope with what officials described as “difficult access.”
Rescue Operation on Steep Terrain
Firefighters quickly worked to assess the situation and locate the victims, who were trapped inside the wrecked vehicles. Due to the steep terrain and nearby railroad tracks, access to the crash site proved challenging. Crews had to stabilize the vehicles before safely extricating the occupants.
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To ensure the safety of rescuers and victims, train traffic in the area was temporarily halted while the operation took place. Despite the tricky conditions, PFR officials said all three individuals were freed within 15 minutes of arrival.
Victims Suffer Non-Critical Injuries
Once the victims were safely removed from the vehicles, firefighters and paramedics provided immediate medical attention at the scene. They were later transported by American Medical Response (AMR) ambulances to a nearby hospital.
Officials confirmed that the three people sustained a range of injuries, but none were considered life-threatening. Their identities have not been released, and it is not yet clear what led to the crash.
Photos Show Extent of Damage
Images shared by Portland Fire & Rescue’s Greg Muhr show the two vehicles resting several feet down the embankment, surrounded by thick vegetation. Emergency responders can be seen navigating the steep slope as they work to free and treat the victims.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the crash, but investigators are looking into whether speed, weather, or driver error played a role. The section of St. Helens Road, which runs parallel to the railroad and near industrial zones north of downtown Portland, has been the site of previous accidents due to its narrow shoulders and winding turns.
Quick Response Credited
Officials praised the coordination among Portland Fire & Rescue, railway personnel, and AMR paramedics, saying their swift teamwork likely prevented more serious outcomes.
“All three patients were rescued quickly and received prompt medical care,” a PFR spokesperson said in a statement. “Thankfully, none of the injuries were critical.”
The roadway and nearby rail line were reopened shortly after crews cleared the scene.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving along Portland’s hillside and industrial routes, especially near Sauvie Island, where limited barriers and steep drops can turn even minor collisions into serious rescues.
