May 23, 2007

A wrong-way driver died in a collision on Interstate 84 during the early morning hours Tuesday.

According to an Oregon State Police report, the accident occurred about 4 a.m. in the westbound lanes of the freeway.

A 1979 GMC pickup driven by Mathias McConville, 28, of Wapato, Wash., was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 84 near milepost 67, three miles east of Hood River, when it collided nearly head-on with a westbound 2006 GMC Yukon, according to OSP.

The collision occurred in the left westbound lane on a gradual curve. OSP was on the scene just minutes later. Traffic was re-routed for two hours onto State Route 14 in Washington state.

McConville was pronounced deceased at the scene. He reportedly was not using safety restraints.

The driver of the GMC Yukon, identified as John L. Clark, 78, from Hillsboro, was seriously injured and has been transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital. He was using safety restraints and his vehicle’s airbags deployed, according to OSP.

The passenger of the GMC Yukon, identified as Harley Niemi, 60, from Yacolt, Wash., was transported to Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and released for minor injuries. He was using safety restraints.

OSP Lt. Gregg Hastings said it was unclear how long McConville had been traveling west against traffic. He said there were several places, such as a rest area east of Hood River, where he could have gained entry onto I-84.