Crash into Shute Park Library caused by last-minute lane change, Hillsboro police say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hillsboro police are now stating that a garbage truck crash into the Shute Park Library, which left five people injured, was brought on by another car’s last-minute lane change in a nearby intersection.

At around 11:30 a.m. Friday, police and fire crews responded to reports of a six-car crash at Southeast 10th Avenue and Maple Street.

Arriving at the scene, officers found one of the drivers attempted a last-second lane change and hit a garbage truck.

Police said the garbage truck then lost control in the intersection, hit other vehicles, then rolled into the library’s northern side, breaking the windows.

In total, officials said three drivers and two people who were inside the library at the time of the crash received minor injuries. Three of them were taken to a hospital and their current conditions have not been released at this time.

While Hillsboro police say the investigation is ongoing, they note the driver who caused the crash will avoid criminal charges and likely receive a traffic violation citation.

Further, officials are searching for one of the vehicles involved in – but not believed to be the cause of – the crash, which left the area before police arrived.

Police describe the vehicle as an early 2000’s maroon Ford Focus, which will likely have damage on its rear left side.

Anyone with information about that vehicle is encouraged to contact Hillsboro police.

According to the City of Hillsboro, the Shute Park Library reopened and resumed regular hours on Saturday.