Lake Oswego crashes leave drivers with non-life-threatening injuries
Two separate single-vehicle crashes occurred over the weekend in Lake Oswego.
Just before 11 a.m. Sunday, July 11, a Lake Oswego male in his 20s crashed his 2004 Ford Ranger into a power pole on Upper Drive between Twin Fir Road and Fir Grove Court.
According to Lake Oswego Police Sgt. Tom Hamann, the truck left the roadway and severed the power pole at the base during "a moment of inattention." No injuries were reported but the roadway was closed and Portland General Electric was on site working to restore power until about 9:30 p.m.
"Amazingly PGE was telling us the power poles are apparently under such high tension from the wires that you could hit them at 10 miles per hour and they'd break," said Hamann, adding that it's good the object gives way because it could help save lives in the case of an accident, though it does cause damage and disruption. "Hopefully it doesn't kill the driver or occupants."
Later the same day, another single-vehicle crash occurred on Kerr Parkway near Boones Ferry Road around 6:20 p.m.
Authorities say Lake Oswego resident John Gonnerman, 57, was cited and released for DUII-alcohol and reckless driving.
Hamann said Gonnerman left the roadway and crashed into a steep embankment, causing the car to roll over.
The Lake Oswego Fire Department had to extricate the vehicle occupants and the vehicle was totaled.
"The driver and passenger were transported to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries," Hamann said.
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