A Washington man was killed and two others were injured in a three‑vehicle crash on Highway 30 in Columbia County, according to reporting by KOIN. Oregon State Police said the collision occurred on Thursday, Feb. 26, shortly after 5:30 p.m. near milepost 64.

According to the agency’s announcement, 32‑year‑old Nick Verne was operating a motorcycle when he attempted a sweeping right‑hand turn. The preliminary investigation, as described by Oregon State Police and reported by KOIN, indicates that the maneuver led to a collision involving two additional vehicles. Verne died at the scene.

Two other individuals were injured in the crash. Their identities and the extent of their injuries were not detailed in the information provided by Oregon State Police. The agency’s initial findings did not include any indication of criminal charges at the time of the announcement.

Highway 30 serves as a critical route connecting Columbia County with the greater Portland region. Crashes along this corridor can create significant traffic delays and complicate emergency response access for nearby rural communities, including those that rely on Highway 30 for daily commuting to Cowlitz County and Longview‑Kelso.

As of the time of publication, Oregon State Police had not released further details regarding contributing factors, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Why this matters: Highway safety remains a recurring concern for residents along the Columbia River corridor. While this crash occurred in Oregon, many Southwest Washington residents regularly travel Highway 30 for work and commerce. Fatal collisions on this route often have ripple effects on emergency response coordination and regional mobility.

Sources:

KOIN: Motorcyclist dead, 2 injured after 3‑vehicle crash on Oregon highway