One Injured in Head-On Collision on Highway 126 Near Tiernan
July 10, 2026, 2:59 p.m. PT — One person sustained life-threatening injuries following a head-on collision on Highway 126, near milepost 7.5, on July 9.
According to Oregon State Police (OSP), a westbound vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane, resulting in a collision with an eastbound vehicle. The eastbound driver attempted to evade the crash but was obstructed by the highway guardrail.
One driver, identified as Stuart Matthews, 66, of Florence, was airlifted via Life Flight to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. The other driver, Jonathan Oakley, 33, of Springfield, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence.
OSP is investigating the incident. Further information regarding lane closures or additional details has not been released.
Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com.