Hermiston — Oregon State Police officials are investigating Thursday afternoon’s two-vehicle crash that seriously injured three who weren’t wearing seat belts near the intersection of Highway 730 at Highway 37 northeast of Hermiston.

About 4:50 p.m. Thursday, a 1999 Kenworth truck pulling a flatbed trailer driven by Steven Voth, 62, of Othello, was driving east on Highway 730, approaching the intersection of Highway 37, OSP reported.

A 1989 Dodge pickup pulled out in front of the truck and was struck in the left front side. After impact, the truck and flatbed trailer came to rest on a dirt embankment along the north side of Highway 730, OSP reported.

The Dodge pickup’s three occupants were not wearing seat belts. Driver Mackenzie Jo Dyer, 20, of Hermiston, was flown to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland and later taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, OSP reported.

Passenger James W. Cook Jr., 22, of Boardman, was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. Passenger Kortlan Lucas, 21, of Hermiston, was taken to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

Voth was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

OSP reminds drivers and passengers that Oregon law enforcement agencies will be participating in a statewide effort through Feb. 24 targeting specific behaviors such as proper safety belt use, speeding and texting.

The effort is supported by Oregon Department of Transportation with additional overtime supported funding.