Fatal I-84 Truck Collision in Union County Leaves Two Dead, One Injured

Union County, Oregon | January 10, 2025

Two Truck Drivers Killed, One Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-84

A devastating three-vehicle collision involving commercial trucks on Interstate 84 late Wednesday night claimed the lives of two drivers and left another injured, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP).

The crash occurred near milepost 279 in Union County, prompting a significant emergency response and closing the westbound lanes of the highway for nearly 10 hours while investigators examined the scene.

Sequence of Events

The incident began when 60-year-old Robert Fred Kenyon of Nampa, Idaho, pulled his Mack commercial vehicle and trailer into a designated chain-up area to install tire chains due to winter road conditions. While Kenyon was parked, a westbound Freightliner driven by 47-year-old Steven Bradly Botter of Spokane, Washington, veered off the roadway and collided with Kenyon's stationary truck.

As the vehicles involved in the initial collision were re-entering the roadway, a second westbound Freightliner operated by 28-year-old Sing Manvir of Fresno, California, struck them.

Both Kenyon and Botter were pronounced dead at the scene. Manvir sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The specific nature of his injuries has not yet been disclosed.

Legal Considerations Under Oregon Law

While the official cause of the crash remains under investigation, the involvement of multiple commercial vehicles raises potential legal issues under Oregon law, including employer liability, negligence, and wrongful death claims. Families of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional damages depending on the findings of the investigation.

Furthermore, given the commercial nature of the vehicles involved, there may be federal and state regulatory compliance issues at play. If driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or inadequate safety measures contributed to the crash, claims related to commercial truck accident injury could arise.

Oregon law imposes a duty on commercial drivers to operate with heightened care, especially in hazardous weather conditions. Failing to do so—and causing injury or death—can make drivers and their employers legally responsible for resulting damages.

Roadway Impact and Ongoing Investigation

The accident resulted in significant disruption to traffic on I-84, with the roadway affected for approximately 10 hours. The Oregon Department of Transportation assisted at the scene while the Oregon State Police conducted their investigation.

As of now, the cause of the initial collision remains undetermined. Toxicology reports, vehicle inspections, and driver histories may help clarify the events that led to this fatal crash.

Support for Those Affected

The families and loved ones of Robert Fred Kenyon and Steven Bradly Botter are facing unimaginable loss. In these painful circumstances, Oregon law provides legal avenues for families to seek justice and financial support through personal injury or wrongful death claims.

If you or a loved one has been injured or affected by a commercial truck accident, the team at Pacific Injury Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced attorneys offer free consultations and can provide guidance on your legal rights and options. Contact us at Pacific Injury Law Firm or call 971-277-3811.

Sources:

• KATU Staff (opens in a new tab)