MEACHAM – A Bend man was killed Wednesday when his semitrailer was struck by another semi on the eastbound side of Interstate 84 near mile post 244, just east of Meacham.

Sgt. Larry Tucker of the Oregon State Police in La Grande said Harold Michael Richardson, 49, had stopped his Gulick Freight semitrailer on the side of the freeway because of mechanical problems.

A USF Reddaway semi pulling three trailers, driven by Robert Steven Huey, 50, of Gig Harbor, Wash., ran into Richardson’s rig at about 7:10 a.m.

“Although Mr. Richardson may not have had any other alternative than to stop along the freeway due to mechanical issues, motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid parking along any freeway by utilizing rest areas, or other safer locations whenever possible,” said Lt. Reg Madsen of OSP.

Richardson was declared dead when emergency crews arrived.

Tucker said the cab and first trailer of Huey’s truck burned, but Huey was helped out of his truck by another passing truck driver and suffered only minor injuries. He was transported to Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande, where he was treated and released.

“The truck was burnt all the way down to the wheels,” said Harvey Thompson, a Pendleton resident who saw the crash scene on his way to a dentist appointment in La Grande. “Traffic was backed up from Mount Emily all the way to the Meacham exit (about 21/2 miles).”

In addition to the state police, La Grande Fire and Ambulance, La Grande Fire HAZMAT crews and the Tribal Fire Department responded to the accident. The U.S. Department of Forestry and a Union County Sheriff’s officer also assisted Wednesday morning.

Tucker said the accident is still under investigation. No citations have been issued.

The Oregon Department of Transportation closed both eastbound lanes of the freeway until about 11:15 a.m., when one lane was reopened. Traffic was detoured to Highway 11, Highway 204 and Highway 82. The other eastbound lane opened at 12:30 this morning according to Tom Strandberg, public affairs representative for ODOT.

There will be additional lane closures during the investigation of the accident.

Richardson’s truck was carrying apples while Huey’s rig was carrying a “mixed load,” Tucker said.