7 Injured in Highway 97 Head-On Crash

The ongoing investigation by Oregon State Police troopers confirmed seven people were injured Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle head-on crash on Highway 97 just south of Madras near Hall Road. Information related to the involved people is being released in this update, and all injuries were described as minor to serious but no specific hospital location information was available.

According to OSP Sergeant Don Wagner, at approximately 3:15 p.m. a 2005 Nissan pickup with camper driven by WILLIAM J. BUNTON, age 66, from Bellingham, Washington, was northbound on Highway 97 when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a silver 2001 Pontiac Gran Prix containing five occupants. After impact, the Nissan overturned onto its side and the Pontiac came to a stop on the side of the highway.

WILLIAM BUNTON and his wife, SHIRLEY BUNTON, age 65, were transported to an area hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries.

The Pontiac's driver is identified as ALDWIN G. KEO, age 20, from Eugene. His passengers, all from Warm Springs, are identified as JEREMIAH SMITH, age 19; LUTHER KEO, age 17; ANDRE THOMAS, age 16; and, JAMES KEO, age 19. All five were reportedly transported to unidentified hospitals with varied injuries.

Both vehicles' occupants were reported to be using safety restraints.

Investigating troopers report WILLIAM BUNTON was looking at the pickup's fuel gauge when it drifted across the centerline and collided head-on with the Pontiac. No enforcement action taken at this time.

Highway 97 was closed until about 5:00 p.m. in both directions. OSP troopers from Madras and Prineville were assisted at the scene by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Madras Police Department, Madras Fire Department and ODOT.