Hermiston, OR (March 8, 2025) – A tragic head-on collision occurred on Highway 395 near milepost 12, just outside Hermiston, Oregon, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The crash happened when a silver Buick Lacrosse, driven by 65-year-old Celestino Chavarria Nunez of Pasco, attempted to turn left onto the Interstate 84 on-ramp and struck a northbound 2018 Toyota CHR, operated by 41-year-old Tabitha J. Ritzer of Hermiston.
The impact of the crash caused significant injuries. Nunez suffered minor injuries, while 74-year-old Rosa Maria Badillo from Pasco was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Passengers in the Buick, Guadalupe Flores-Mendoza (81) and J. Eleazar Flores (59), were also injured; Flores-Mendoza sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, while Flores had minor injuries. Ritzer and her 10-year-old passenger survived the collision with minor injuries and were also transported to the hospital for treatment.
The Oregon State Police, along with multiple local agencies, including the Stanfield Police, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and Echo Fire, responded to the scene. Air medical services were requested for critical care. The crash caused significant traffic delays on Highway 395, with the southbound lanes between Winch Way and Highway 33 closed for approximately three hours while authorities investigated and cleared the wreckage.
Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating crash.
Head-On Collisions in Oregon
Head-on collisions, especially on highways, can lead to serious consequences, including fatalities, due to the high-speed nature of these crashes. Oregon State Police continue to work diligently to investigate the causes of accidents like this one, which often involve critical factors such as impaired driving, distracted driving, or failure to yield.
Highway 395 is a major thoroughfare, and accidents involving multiple vehicles can have far-reaching impacts, including significant delays, injuries, and even fatalities.
Preventing Head-On Collisions
Here are a few tips to help reduce the risk of head-on collisions on highways:
- Ensure Proper Lane Usage: Always make sure you are in the correct lane, especially when turning or merging onto highways. Check mirrors and blind spots frequently to stay aware of other vehicles on the road.
- Adhere to Traffic Signals and Signs: Yield to other vehicles when necessary and obey all traffic signs, including stop signs and merging lanes, to prevent accidents at intersections.
- Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a major cause of crashes. Stay focused on the road, especially when navigating busy highways or interchanges.
- Drive Defensively: Always be aware of your surroundings and prepared to react to other drivers’ actions. Avoid aggressive driving and ensure ample following distance to prevent crashes.
- Drive According to Conditions: Adjust your driving to match road conditions, especially in adverse weather or at night. Reduced visibility can make it harder to avoid a collision.
For more information or help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports. We are here to support you during this difficult time.