Fallen tree causes severe damage

Dec. 29, 2021 - A tree fell onto Highway 126 early Tuesday morning directly in front of a Western Lane Ambulance District ambulance, resulting in considerable damage to the vehicle.

The only occupants in the ambulance at the time were two WLAD employees with no injuries were reported after the collision with the tree, which happened at approximately 2:32 a.m. The ambulance was westbound on Highway 126 and returning from PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in the Eugene area when a 16-inch diameter tree fell onto the road at milepost 21 directly in front of the ambulance.

Light snow was reported to be falling in the area at the time of the incident. The driver reported that he had no time to swerve to miss the falling tree prior to the collision.

Oregon Department of Transportation personnel and snowplows were in the area and stopped to assist the ambulance crew and helped to secure the scene until the ambulance could be towed to Florence.

While damage to the front of the ambulance is thought to be considerable, Fire/EMS Chief Michael Schick stated, “We are grateful that no one was injured in this accident.”

Western Lane Ambulance District provides emergency medical service (EMS) to 17,500 people over 564 square miles. Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue provides an all-hazards emergency response to 14,000 people over 98 square miles. Together, their agencies include full-time, part-time and volunteer personnel that respond to an average of 4,500 calls per year. On Oct. 1, 2019, the administrative offices of Siuslaw Valley Fire/Rescue and Western Lane Ambulance District combined to form Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority. Learn more online at wlfea.org.