I-84 Crash Near Cascade Locks: Car Fire, Driver Flees Scene

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. – April 10, 2025 – A single-vehicle crash on Interstate 84 westbound near Cascade Locks erupted into flames Monday evening, and the driver fled the scene, according to Oregon State Police. The incident shut down all westbound lanes for nearly an hour, snarling evening traffic through the Columbia River Gorge.

Emergency crews from Cascade Locks Fire and EMS arrived at the scene about two miles west of Cascade Locks around 6 p.m. to find a car fully engulfed in flames. OSP confirmed the vehicle was unoccupied when firefighters arrived, and witnesses reported seeing the driver run away from the wreck into the nearby wooded area.

“The driver left the scene before first responders could arrive,” said OSP spokesperson Sgt. John Miller in a late-night statement. “We are actively searching for the individual and ask anyone with information to contact the Portland Area Command.”

The crash occurred on a curved stretch of I-84 known for reduced visibility and frequent wildlife crossings. No other vehicles were involved, and no injuries have been reported from the fire. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but OSP does not rule out speed or impairment as factors.

Traffic on the westbound side was completely shut down at Cascade Locks exit 44, forcing drivers to detour onto the Old Historic Columbia River Highway. One lane reopened at approximately 7 p.m., and all lanes were fully cleared by 8:30 p.m., according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

“That stretch of I-84 is dark and twisty, especially in the evening,” said longtime Cascade Locks resident Maria Torres, who lives near the crash site. “I heard a loud bang and then saw orange glow. By the time I looked out, the car was burning and no one was around.”

The Gorge region has seen a rise in single-vehicle crashes this year, with ODOT data showing 14 fatal accidents on I-84 between Troutdale and Hood River in 2024. State transportation officials have been studying safety improvements, including rumble strips and better lighting, but funding has delayed implementation.

Legal experts note that leaving the scene of an accident, especially one involving a fire, can lead to felony charges, including hit-and-run and reckless endangerment. “If the driver is found, they could face serious penalties, particularly if impairment is suspected,” said Portland defense attorney Rachel Kim. “Fleeing almost always makes the situation worse.”

OSP is urging the driver to turn themselves in and is asking anyone who saw a person running from the area near milepost 44 around 6 p.m. Monday to call the OSP tip line. The investigation is ongoing, with troopers reviewing nearby traffic camera footage and interviewing witnesses.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates on the search for the driver and any safety recommendations from ODOT.