Ontario, Ore. – Emergency personnel responded to a multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 84’s Snake River Bridge near the Oregon-Idaho border early Monday morning.
According to Oregon State Police, an investigation revealed a Chevy pickup truck lost control on the bridge after hitting black ice. The Chevy crashed and came to rest on the shoulder. The driver was not injured.
OSP said Steven Arrasmith stopped his Jeep to offer assistance. After Arrasmith exited his vehicle, it was struck from behind by a Hyundai coupe. The Jeep lurched forward and threw Arrasmith over the bridge railing. Despite being seriously injured, he was able to hang on for a short time before falling into the Snake River.
Troopers said Arrasmith was able to shed some of his clothing and swim to a nearby island. Emergency personnel heard him yelling from the island and he was able to be rescued. He was taken to an Ontario hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Hyundai received minor injuries, according to OSP.
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