On Wednesday, Sept. 7, at about 9:15 a.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a multiple vehicle crash on Highway 20 near milepost 136 (four miles east of Burns).

Preliminary investigation revealed that seven motorcycles were traveling westbound when they encountered lumber debris in the roadway, just over the crest of a hill. A 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Larry Lahr, 59, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by William Hunt, 58, and passenger Rose Hunt, 56, of Earlville, Iowa, swerved to avoid the debris and collided. This caused both motorcycles to go down on the roadway, resulting in minor injuries to the riders.

A 2016 Can Am Spyder motorcycle swerved to the left to avoid the debris and collision and came to a controlled stop beyond the south shoulder of the roadway. A 2011 Harley Davidson was able to avoid the debris and collision and came to a controlled stop beyond the north shoulder of the roadway. A 2001 Harley Davidson, operated by David Marr, 64, of Floyd, Iowa, braked to avoid the collision and debris, causing the motorcycle to overturn. Two additional Harley Davidson motorcycles were able to avoid the debris and collisions and came to a controlled stop.

Marr sustained critical injuries and was flown from Harney District Hospital by Airlink to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Larry Lahr, William Hunt, and Rose Hunt sustained minor injuries and were treated and released.

OSP was assisted by Harney County EMS, Burns Fire Department, Harney County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Department of Transportation.