DAYTON–Five people in a pickup headed for Hermiston, Ore., were injured in a late-night crash at the intersection of State Route 12 and 261 Monday, January 13, 2020.

A black 2011 Toyota Tundra pickup, driven by Rafael T. Meras, 22, of Hermiston, Ore., was westbound on SR 12 at 11:17 p.m. when it encountered the sweeping curve which includes the intersection with SR 261, 14 miles north of Dayton.

-Chronicle photo by Loyal Baker

Fire personnel from district 1 and 3 bring an injured person up the steep embankment in a Stokes basket during freezing and snowy conditions late Monday night. Fire Chief Jeromy Phinney, in dark hooded jacket, manned a line assisting fire fighters hauling the accident victim to safety.

Control of the vehicle was lost, it struck the guard rail and rolled down a steep embankment, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Meras and four other individuals from Hermiston were injured and transported by Columbia County Fire District No. 3 ambulance to Dayton General Hospital.

Also injured were passengers Angel M. Hernandez, 43; Juan Torres, 69; Edward P. Valera, 9; and Marta Valera, 32. All were wearing seat belts except Mr. Torres.

Amid swirling snowfall, rescue personnel from county districts 1 and 3 had a steep, thirty-foot embankment to negotiate with each of the victims, who had to be carried from the wrecked vehicle in a Stokes basket. Firefighters at the road level assisted by pulling a line tied to the stretcher.

The accident was caused by speed too fast for conditions, according to WSP.

Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be involved and charges against driver Meras are pending, the Patrol noted.

The 2001 Toyota was totaled. It was towed by Kyle's Towing of Dayton.