Initial information has been released by Salem Police and Fire on a three-vehicle crash early Friday evening that occurred on East Main Street at Lackey Street just east of the Union Pacific Railroad underpass.
Eight people were reportedly injured, including three who were flown by Air Evac Helicopters to regional hospitals for treatment. No names have been released of those involved.
Salem Police say preliminary information indicates the crash apparently occurred when a westbound car started to cross over the centerline and sideswiped an eastbound pickup truck. The car then continued fully into the eastbound lane, where it hit the SUV head-on.
The two occupants of the pickup truck were not hurt. There were four occupants of the car, all of whom were injured. Salem Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Bill Fulton said department members had to cut the roof off the car to assist one or two of the occupants in getting out. There were also four occupants of the SUV who were also all injured, but did not require extrication.
One of the Air Evac Helicopters landed near the scene at the Church of Christ. Another transported one of the injured from Salem Leckrone Airport. The third took a patient from the Salem Township Hospital helipad.
The crash occurred at 5:55 on Friday evening. East Main was closed for just over two hours as the victims were assisted, and then cleanup took place.
Salem Police requested State Police to handle the crash, and no details are yet available from State Police.
Watch for updates on this story as they become available.
