Community Mourning After Fatal Collision on Hwy 101 Involving Ambulance in Lincoln County

Fatal Collision on HWY 101 in Lincoln County Involves Ambulance and Passenger Vehicle

On the evening of January 11, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded on Hwy 101 in Lincoln County, Oregon, when an ambulance collided with a Kia Soul, resulting in one fatality and leaving a juvenile in critical condition.

Details of the Incident

The collision occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m., near milepost 163 on Hwy 101. The ambulance, driven by Casey Rainey Wittmier, was exiting a driveway intending to head southbound on Hwy 101 with its emergency lights on. At this moment, a northbound Kia Soul, driven by 25-year-old Kelsey Rose Seibel of Waldport, collided with the ambulance's driver's side.

Tragically, Seibel was declared dead at the scene, while a 16-year-old male passenger in the Kia suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. It was noted that neither occupant of the Kia Soul was properly restrained at the time of the accident, and the vehicle's airbags did not deploy.

The ambulance operator and his passenger, Osmo Kalevi Larmi III, 45, of Newberg, were unharmed. Notably, there was no patient in the ambulance at the time of the collision.

The incident led to a significant disruption, with the highway being impacted for about five hours during the on-scene investigation. Authorities including the Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and several local fire and rescue teams, responded to the scene.

Legal Implications and Public Safety Concerns

This incident raises several legal issues, particularly regarding the responsibilities and liabilities in accidents involving emergency vehicles. In Oregon, emergency vehicles have certain privileges on the road, but they also must operate with a high degree of care for public safety.

The fact that the occupants of the Kia were not properly restrained might also have implications in terms of personal injury claims and insurance settlements. Oregon law requires all occupants of a vehicle to wear safety restraints, and failure to do so can affect the outcome of legal claims.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, especially when approaching or being near emergency vehicles. It also highlights the critical need for all passengers to be properly restrained within vehicles at all times.

For those who have been injured in similar accidents or have questions about their legal rights, Pacific Injury Law Firm is here to provide guidance and support. Please contact us for a free consultation or call us at 971-277-3811. Our expertise spans across various areas, including personal injury and wrongful death claims, ensuring your rights are protected.

Sources:

• Portland Police Bureau (opens in a new tab)