One Killed, One Seriously Injured in Fiery Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-5 Near Goshen, Oregon

One Killed, One Seriously Injured in Fiery Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-5 Near Goshen, Oregon

LANE COUNTY, OR — A tragic morning on Interstate 5 near milepost 186 has left one man dead and another seriously injured following a violent three-vehicle collision just outside Goshen, according to Oregon State Police. The crash occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, and triggered a major emergency response, as well as a temporary highway shutdown that lasted hours.

A Sudden Maneuver Leads to Tragedy

Investigators say 56-year-old Kennith James Nelsen of Coos Bay was driving a white Dodge Caravan southbound on I-5 when he attempted to make an illegal turn into the emergency vehicle-only turnaround from the slow lane. The maneuver proved catastrophic.

At that same moment, 59-year-old Timothy Brian Smith of Springfield was approaching in a gray Dodge Charger. In an effort to avoid a collision, Smith veered toward the center median. Despite his attempt, the Caravan struck the Charger as both vehicles entered the turnaround area.

The force of the impact pushed the Dodge Charger directly into the northbound travel lanes, where it collided head-on and underneath a white Kenworth dump truck, which was hauling a loaded trailer. That truck was driven by 44-year-old Jaison William Karow, also of Coos Bay.

One Life Lost, Another Hanging in the Balance

A passenger in the Dodge Charger, 61-year-old Kenneth Nicholas Thomas of Springfield, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His loss has sent shockwaves through the Springfield community, where he was known as a dedicated family man and friend.

The driver, Timothy Smith, was critically injured and rushed to a local hospital via ground ambulance. His condition remains serious, according to law enforcement officials.

Both Nelsen, the driver who initiated the turn, and Karow, the truck driver, were uninjured.

Secondary Crash Follows Initial Tragedy

The immediate aftermath of the first crash caused a secondary collision on the southbound side of I-5, involving three other vehicles. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in that incident, but it contributed to significant traffic disruptions and emergency response complications.

In total, the southbound and northbound lanes near milepost 186 were heavily impacted for approximately four hours as investigators and emergency crews processed the scene.

Multi-Agency Response Mobilized

The crash prompted a massive response from state and local authorities. Oregon State Police led the investigation with support from:

• Lane County Sheriff’s Office
• Pleasant Hill Rural Fire Protection District
• Eugene Springfield Fire
• South Lane Fire & Rescue
• Lane County District Attorney’s Office
• Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office
• Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)

ODOT officials also managed extensive traffic control and diversion measures while the crash scene was cleared and documented.

Legal and Safety Questions Under Review

As of this publication, no criminal charges have been filed, and investigators have not yet determined if citations or further legal action will be taken. However, authorities have reiterated a vital public safety reminder: emergency turnarounds are strictly off-limits to civilian drivers.

“These turnarounds are clearly marked and exist solely for emergency personnel,” an OSP spokesperson emphasized. “Using them as shortcuts can have deadly consequences, as we tragically saw today.”

Remembering Kenneth Nicholas Thomas

Friends and family of Kenneth Thomas have described him as a kind-hearted, reliable man who loved his community and family dearly. Tributes have begun circulating online, expressing grief, shock, and prayers for the surviving victims.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Investigation Ongoing

Oregon State Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact OSP or submit tips via the Oregon State Police website.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Kenneth Thomas, and we wish a full recovery to Timothy Smith. The tragedy on I-5 is a stark reminder of the split-second decisions that can alter lives forever.