Chain-reaction collision injures five people.

Byline: Rebecca Nolan The Register-Guard

Five people were taken to the hospital Tuesday evening after a four-car crash that closed down a busy intersection south of downtown Eugene for more than an hour.

Among those taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center were a pregnant woman, Eugene police Sgt. Pete Aguilar said. None of the injuries were life-threatening, he said.

Aguilar said it appeared that alcohol was a factor in the 6 p.m. wreck at Willamette Street and 27th Avenue. The road was reopened to traffic about 7:30 p.m.

Police say a gray Isuzu Trooper driven by Tomme Lea Allen, 47, of Eugene slammed into the back of a Buick Regal stopped at a red light on southbound Willamette at 27th, directly in front of Turtles Bar and Grill. The impact shoved the Buick's nose under the tail of a red Toyota T100 pickup, which in turn rammed into the rear of a green Dodge Intrepid, he said.

Officers found a bottle of tequila and margarita mixers inside the Isuzu, Aguilar said.

Allen was charged with one count each of driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving, and four counts of third-degree assault.

Witnesses said Allen made no attempt to stop before crashing into the other cars at the red light.

"She was going about 50," said 18-year-old Laura Richardson, who was enjoying an early dinner on Turtles' outdoor patio with boyfriend Austin Thelen, also 18. "She didn't even really try to stop."

The crash drew a large crowd to the busy intersection, which is home to many businesses. The sound of the collision could be heard for blocks, Thelen said.

Zack Bigilliams was behind the wheel of the Toyota pickup involved in the crash. He said he never saw the Isuzu coming from behind, and just felt the impact when the Buick hit his truck. "She just ran completely into us," he said.

A toolbox in his truck bed crashed against the cab, he said. He complained of neck pain and said the wreck distressed his dog. "She was upset and shaking," he said.

Adrian Poggi, 20, and Brady Sapp, 20, both of Eugene, were in the Buick and transported to Sacred Heart. Eugene residents Jeremy Standifer, 20, and Melissa Standifer, 22, were in the Dodge and also taken to the hospital.

The crash remained under investigation Tuesday night.

Police ask anyone who saw the crash or knows of events leading up to it to call officer Chris White at 682-5154, Ext. 1410.

CAPTION(S):

Eugene Police officer Tom Schulke inspects one of the vehicles involved in a multi-car crash at 27th Avenue and Willamette Street on Tuesday.