OSP: Truck hits 2 truckers applying snow chains, killing 1

ONTARIO, Ore. -- It was snowing heavily when two commercial truck drivers chaining up a vehicle were hit by a third commercial vehicle on a freeway off ramp, killing one of the men Tuesday, Oregon State Police reported.

OSP Lt. Richard Pileggi said at 8:08 a.m. two commercial truck drivers were stopped on the right side of the westbound Interstate 84 exit 374 off ramp.  Another commercial vehicle driven by FRANCISCO ROBERTO LECARO, age 35, from Perris, Calif., took the off ramp and passed one of the disabled trucks where the two drivers were applying chains wearing reflective jackets on that truck's left drive axle.  The two drivers applying chains were identified as MILTON SCOT BELTON, age 49, from Colville, Wash., and MIGUEL VICTORIO-ALVAREZ, age 45, from Nampa, Idaho.

Troopers investigating the incident believe the passing commercial vehicle's semi-trailer hit both men. LECARO continued from the scene and was located later with his commercial vehicle at Love's Truckstop by Ontario police. BELTON was pronounced deceased at the scene.  VICTORIO-ALVAREZ was transported to Holy Rosary Medical Center in Ontario with non-life threatening injuries.

BELTON and VICTORIO-ALVAREZ were driving for TransSystems company.

LECARO was driving for CR England Inc.

The freeway off ramp was closed about two hours during the scene investigation.

Ontario-area troopers and OSP collision reconstructionist are continuing the investigation with the assistance of Malheur County District Attorney Dan Norris, Malheur County Sheriff's Office and Ontario Police Department.

ODOT and Ontario Fire Department assisted at the scene.

OSP and ODOT urge all drivers to use caution this winter when passing vehicles stopped on the side of any highway, slowing down and paying close attention for persons outside applying chains on a vehicle.