The fatal collision occurred at approximately 9:51 a.m. on February 23, 2026, on Highway 22 at the intersection with Highway 51.
Polk County, OR – One person was killed and two other people were injured following a two-vehicle crash at an intersection in Polk County on Monday morning, according to the Oregon State Police.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 9:51 a.m. on February 23, 2026, on Highway 22 at the intersection with Highway 51.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that a westbound Salem-Keizer Thomas school bus, operated by 33-year-old Chandra Milkovich-Howard of Turner, attempted to make a left turn onto southbound Highway 51. During the maneuver, the bus entered the path of an eastbound Honda Pilot driven by 68-year-old Luke Brittan of Independence, resulting in a head-on collision.
Brittan was declared deceased at the scene. Milkovich-Howard sustained reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The school bus was carrying two adults and 30 students at the time of the crash. At least one student suffered a reported minor injury and was also transported to a hospital. Authorities confirmed that Milkovich-Howard was cited for making an unsafe left turn.
Investigators determined that an unsafe left turn was the primary cause of the Polk County crash. The case remains under active investigation and will be forwarded to the district attorney upon completion for review and consideration.
The highway was closed for approximately four hours while emergency crews conducted the on-scene investigation and cleared the wreckage. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The Polk County crash caused significant traffic disruptions in the area during the morning hours. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes as authorities worked at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation as officials continue to review all contributing factors.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon recorded 599 traffic fatalities in 2023, reflecting ongoing concerns about roadway safety across the state. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that thousands of serious injury crashes occur annually in Oregon, with intersection-related collisions and improper turns among the leading contributing factors.
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