Wrong-Way Crash on I-5 in Marion County Leaves One Dead, Another Critically Injured
MARION COUNTY, Ore. – A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 early Tuesday morning has claimed one life and left another person critically injured, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP).
The fatal collision occurred on August 26, 2025, around 4:26 a.m., near milepost 267 in Marion County, just north of Salem. Investigators reported that a 20-year-old driver from Gresham, identified as K’Rondre’ Demarcus Minor, was behind the wheel of an Infiniti G35 traveling northbound in the southbound lanes.
Details of the Crash
According to OSP, Minor’s Infiniti struck a Honda Civic head-on, causing catastrophic damage to both vehicles. The driver of the Honda Civic, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Minor suffered severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Authorities have not confirmed whether alcohol, drugs, or impairment played a role in the crash, but toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing investigation.
Emergency Response
The collision prompted a major emergency response. First responders, including state police, local sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and paramedics, rushed to the scene. Southbound lanes of I-5 were shut down for several hours while crash reconstruction teams worked to determine the cause and clear the wreckage. Traffic was diverted onto nearby highways, leading to significant early-morning delays for commuters traveling through Marion County.
Wrong-Way Driving Concerns
Wrong-way crashes, though relatively rare, are often deadly due to the force of head-on collisions at highway speeds. According to traffic safety experts, most wrong-way incidents are linked to driver impairment, fatigue, or confusion, particularly during nighttime and early-morning hours.
Residents in the area have voiced concern about recurring incidents of wrong-way drivers on I-5 and other major highways across Oregon. Officials say they are reviewing whether additional signage, barriers, or detection systems could help prevent future tragedies.
Community Shock and Grief
The crash has left the community shaken, especially as details continue to emerge about the young driver’s involvement. Family and friends of both individuals are grappling with the tragedy, with one family mourning the sudden and permanent loss of their loved one, and another holding onto hope for survival as Minor fights for his life in the hospital.
Neighbors and community members in Gresham and Marion County have expressed their condolences, with many calling the crash a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of safe driving practices.
Ongoing Investigation
The Oregon State Police are leading the investigation into the crash. They are working to determine how and why Minor entered the southbound lanes while traveling northbound. Authorities have not yet announced if charges will be filed but stated that further updates will be shared as the case develops.
For now, the families of those involved are left to cope with the aftermath of this tragic wrong-way crash, which has once again underscored the dangers motorists face on Oregon’s highways.