One Person Killed in Explosion that Closes Highway 26

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Thursday, March 19, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

The FBI confirmed one person died in the explosion on US Forest Service land, and that the bureau has taken the lead in the investigation. Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit bomb technicians determined there are no further undetonated explosives, using tactics that included a robot. 

The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation, and crews are in the midst of processing evidence, after roughly a dozen agencies responded to the scene. 

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office  first responded to the blast at 7:30 Thursday morning, after a call that came in roughly an hour earlier, and crews remain on scene. According to the FBI, the Medical Examiner will release results regarding the victim's death at a later time. 

The highway remains closed in both directions between mileposts 47 and 52. Cellphone service in the area is spotty and no reopening time has been announced, so please plan an alternate route. 

Statement: There is 1 confirmed death at the scene. The cause of death will be released by the Medical Examiner at a later time. #FBI

— FBI Portland (@FBIPortland) March 19, 2015

Responding agencies included: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF, Portland Police Bureau, West Linn Police Department, Gresham Police Department, Milwaukie Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, Hoodand Fire, AMR and Oregon Department of Transportation.

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