A jackknifed commercial truck and a passenger vehicle collided on Highway 20, killing two people and closing the highway for hours, highlighting risks on rural Oregon roads.
Deschutes County, OR – Two people were killed late Monday night in a collision on Highway 20, according to Oregon State Police. A jackknifed Freightliner truck blocked both lanes, and a westbound Subaru Outback collided with the trailer at highway speeds.
The crash occurred around 9:30 PM on November 24, 2025, on Highway 20 near milepost 51, under dark conditions. The Freightliner, operated by 32-year-old Rajinder Kumar of Fresno, CA, had stopped in a jackknifed position, with the tractor facing eastbound.
The Subaru, driven by 25-year-old William Micah Carter of Springfield, struck the truck's trailer. Carter and his passenger, 24-year-old Jennifer Lynn Lower of John Day, were pronounced dead at the scene. Kumar was reportedly uninjured. Highway 20 remained closed for about seven hours while Oregon State Police, Bend Fire and Rescue, and ODOT worked on the scene.
What Caused the Crash?
Dark conditions and the lack of active emergency warning equipment are being considered primary contributing factors. Kumar was arrested on charges of Criminally Negligent Homicide and Reckless Endangering and was lodged in Deschutes County Jail.
Traffic and Safety Stats:
In 2024, Oregon recorded more than 25,000 traffic collisions with nearly 400 fatalities. Commercial trucks accounted for about 5% of fatal crashes, showing the risks of large vehicles on high-speed rural roads like Highway 20.
Anyone involved in a serious crash should seek medical care immediately, document the scene, and obtain the official police report. In cases involving fatalities, serious injuries, or commercial vehicles, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney promptly can protect your rights and help ensure proper compensation.