Portland, OR – A high-speed crash in Northeast Portland on Thursday morning left one pedestrian dead and three others injured, following a chaotic series of collisions near a busy Safeway store on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Driver Jumps Curb, Hits Two Pedestrians
Emergency crews were dispatched around 11:45 a.m. to the 5900 block of NE MLK Jr. Blvd., where a silver Ford Escape was seen speeding northbound before jumping the east-side sidewalk near NE Jarrett Street.
Two adult male pedestrians—who had just exited a bus—were struck. One man died at the scene, and the other was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Witnesses told KATU that a child was nearly hit during the impact.
Crash Continues Across Multiple Blocks
After striking the pedestrians, the Ford Escape veered back onto the road, sideswiping a Hyundai SUV on NE Ainsworth Street, then barreled over a median and collided head-on with two southbound vehicles—a Buick sedan and a Toyota pickup.
- The Hyundai driver requested hospital transport.
- The Ford Escape and Buick drivers also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital.
- The Toyota pickup driver declined hospital treatment.
Road Closures and Ongoing Investigation
Police shut down a section of NE MLK Jr. Blvd. from NE Holman to NE Jessup for several hours while conducting their investigation. The road has since reopened.
Investigators do not believe the act was intentional, based on statements from the driver and witnesses. The driver, who was operating a specially modified vehicle for a handicapped person, reportedly has two prosthetic legs—though it is unclear whether that factored into the crash.
Legal Outlook and District Attorney Involvement
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has joined the case due to its severity. As of now, no arrests or citations have been issued, and the cause remains under investigation.
How to Protect Pedestrians and Prevent Urban Collisions
Portland’s growing number of fatal pedestrian incidents has raised concerns across the community. This crash marks the 20th traffic fatality in Portland in 2025, and the eighth involving a pedestrian.
To help prevent similar tragedies:
- Drivers should reduce speed in urban areas and near bus stops.
- City planners should improve signage and lighting at pedestrian-heavy intersections.
- Mobility-challenged drivers should be periodically re-evaluated for safe operation of modified vehicles.
How can cities better protect pedestrians in high-traffic areas? Share your ideas in the comments.
