A Penske box truck exploded as a result of a crash on Highway 551 near Aurora Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency units from Aurora Fire District arrived on the scene, with initial reports that one victim might still be trapped inside the flaming box truck.
This later proved to be incorrect. However, the Jaws of Life were used to cut apart the second vehicle, a gray Nissan, and free the driver trapped inside. The victim suffered serious injuries and was transported to a trauma center by Life Flight helicopter.
The driver of the box truck was able to escape the truck after the crash, and was transported by Woodburn Ambulance to an area hospital with minor injuries.
Oregon State Police said their initial investigation showed that the Nissan was traveling northbound, when the driver crossed the center line and collided with the Penske truck for unknown reasons. Names and contributing factors have not been released.
Only two victims and two vehicles were involved, though there was concern that the fire might spread to nearby brush and trees.
The fire was extinguished by Aurora Fire crews, assisted by Hubbard Fire, Woodburn Fire and Canby Fire.
The highway was closed in both directions during the incident.
