CLATSOP COUNTY, OR — October 26, 2026 — A three-vehicle collision on Highway 26 in Clatsop County left Nestor Abaunzas-Alguera seriously injured and claimed the life of a woman on Monday afternoon, according to the Oregon State Police.
According to authorities, the crash occurred at approximately 2:51 p.m. near milepost 23.4. A westbound gray Toyota Highlander was traveling along the highway when its driver reportedly lost control while navigating a curve.
The Toyota crossed the centerline and collided head-on with an eastbound Mercedes-Benz SUV. The force of the initial impact pushed the Mercedes into a Volkswagen ID.4 traveling behind it, resulting in a secondary collision.
Abaunzas-Alguera, 37, of Bell Gardens, California, was riding as a passenger in the Toyota Highlander. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The Toyota’s driver, a 36-year-old woman from Wilmington, California, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Mercedes-Benz driver, a 69-year-old man from Beaverton, and his 65-year-old female passenger also sustained serious injuries and were taken to a hospital.
Meanwhile, the Volkswagen driver, a 43-year-old Portland man, and three passengers in that vehicle escaped the collision without injuries.
Highway 26 remained closed for approximately four hours while emergency personnel responded and investigators examined the scene. Local fire departments, medical responders and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted with the incident.
