Two People killed and One Injured in Fatal Collision on Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond

On Saturday night, a tragic collision occurred on Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond, resulting in two fatalities and one person injured. The Oregon State Police (OSP) reported that the accident led to a lengthy closure of the highway. Additionally, two individuals were arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) following separate collisions near the crash site.

The Initial Crash

The incident took place at approximately 7:14 p.m. near 61st Street. According to OSP, a Ford Econoline, driven by 23-year-old Ghandi Lakshmi Satya Yerramsetti from Redmond, was traveling northbound. For unknown reasons, the van veered onto the shoulder, lost control, crossed both northbound lanes, crossed the median, and collided with a southbound Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Fatalities and Injuries

Tragically, both Yerramsetti and a passenger in the Jeep, identified as 29-year-old Christy Lee Bigelow from Bend, succumbed to their injuries at the crash scene. The driver of the Jeep, a 32-year-old man from Bend, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Additional DUII Arrests

During the crash investigation and the subsequent closure of Highway 97, OSP apprehended a 33-year-old Bend resident for DUII. The individual allegedly crashed into an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) vehicle at 61st Street. The ODOT driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Another DUII-related incident occurred in the southbound lanes near the crash site. OSP arrested a 20-year-old woman on suspicion of DUII. Fortunately, there were no injuries resulting from this particular collision.