LA GRANDE — A Portland semitruck driver was killed Tuesday, Aug. 27, after his truck struck another semitruck on Interstate 84 about 7 miles outside of La Grande.

Oregon State Police said the crash occurred at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday near milepost 268 by the Foothill Drive exit.

Officials said preliminary investigation indicated that a yellow Volvo semitruck operated by 27-year-old Abdiwasa Abdullahi Alinur of Portland was traveling eastbound on the interstate when it struck the rear end of a gray Kenworth semitruck operated by Illia Kodzhebash, 45, of Kent, Washington.

After striking the Kenworth, the Volvo crossed the travel lanes and overturned in the median.

Alinur was ejected from his vehicle and was declared dead at the scene. 

Kodzhebash was not injured and remained at the scene, state police said.

Traffic on Interstate 84 was affected for about four hours to allow investigation.

Oregon State Police officers were assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.