Three injured in Highway 18 crash

Three people were injured in a three-vehicle crash Tuesday morning southwest of McMinnville on Highway 18 in the area of Oldsville Road and what is known as the Pine Tree Patio.

The Oregon State Police gave this account:

Josh Thomas Keenen, 31, of McMinnville, was westbound in a 1993 Nissan Altima and was slowing to stop to turn left into his driveway.

Tahmiene Momtazi, 33, of Newberg, was driving a 2008 Toyota Highlander behind Keenen and did not notice he was slowing to turn.

She tried to swerve to avoid hitting him, but rear-ended his vehicle, and shoved it into the eastbound lane where he was hit by a 2007 Toyota Camry driven by Yanying Shen, 45, of Willamina.

Keenen was transported by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in McMinnville. His condition was not available. Momtazi and Shen were transported by ground ambulance to the Willamette Valley Medical Center with less serious injuries. Momtazi was cited for careless driving.

Highway 18 was closed for 2 1/2 hours while the crash was investigated and the scene was cleared. In addition to OSP, Sheridan and McMinnville fire personnel responded, as well as the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.