Two people were injured, one seriously, Tuesday evening in a two vehicle head-on crash on Highway 370 (O’Neil Highway) between Prineville and Redmond. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Bend Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

According to OSP Sergeant Don Wagner, on December 29, 2009 at approximately 7:53 p.m. a 1986 Ford Taurus driven by ADAM WESLEY PURCELL, age 46, from Sprague River, was eastbound on Highway 370 near milepost 10 when it lost control and crossed into the oncoming lane of travel. The Ford Taurus collided head-on with a westbound 1990 Ford Ranger pick-up driven by TYRELL WILLIAM AZBILL, age 17, from Prineville. Both vehicles came to rest blocking the westbound lane of travel.

PURCELL, and his passenger CASEY RENEE PURCELL, age 21, from Prineville, were both admitted to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. CASEY RENEE PURCELL was taken by air-ambulance with serious injuries. ADAM PURCELL had non-life threatening injuries and was self admitted to St. Charles Medical Center sometime following the crash.

AZBILL was reportedly not injured.

Safety restraint use by all occupants is pending confirmation.

Crook County Sheriffs Office, local area Fire and Rescue personnel, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

A portion of Highway 370 was closed to one-lane of travel for over three hours.