Bend, OR (December 5, 2024) – A tragic crash claimed the life of a 27-year-old Bend man on Wednesday evening, December 4, after a fiery collision involving two pickup trucks at the intersection of Bear Creek Road and Dean Swift Road in northeast Bend. Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after 7:22 p.m. to find a black 2006 Toyota Tacoma fully engulfed in flames. Despite efforts from several officers to put out the blaze with fire extinguishers and open the driver’s door, they were unable to remove the driver, Anthony David Cardonia, due to the intense flames and damage from the crash.
The crash occurred under freezing fog and icy conditions, which likely contributed to the accident. Preliminary investigations indicate that Cardonia, driving west on Bear Creek Road, crossed into the eastbound lane, leading to a nearly head-on collision with a 2021 Dodge Ram pickup. The driver of the Dodge Ram was able to break the Tacoma’s driver’s side window and attempted to pull Cardonia from the truck before emergency responders arrived.
The driver and passenger of the Dodge Ram sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene. However, Cardonia was tragically pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the crash and the fire. The area was closed for approximately four hours while a police reconstruction team investigated the cause of the crash, which remains under investigation.
We send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
Pickup Truck Accidents in Oregon
Motor vehicle accidents involving pickup trucks are a common occurrence on Oregon’s roads, and those involving icy conditions and freezing fog present additional hazards for drivers. The intersection of Bear Creek and Dean Swift roads is not typically considered a high-risk area, but under winter conditions, the roads can become slippery and difficult to navigate. The collision’s fiery aftermath highlights the severe consequences of crashes under such weather conditions.
This accident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by icy roads, especially when combined with reduced visibility due to fog. While this crash involved a collision between two vehicles, the freezing fog and icy surfaces could have made it challenging for either driver to react in time. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether speed or other factors contributed to the incident.
Local authorities urge drivers to take extra precautions during the winter months, particularly in areas where fog and ice may be present. Staying informed about weather conditions and adjusting driving behavior to suit the road can help reduce the risk of similar accidents.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a traffic incident, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Local Accident Reports is dedicated to providing the most current information on accidents in Oregon, as well as offering helpful resources for those impacted by crashes.