Two Crashes in Two Days Cause Damage in Hillsdale

[May 29, 2025]

In two separate incidents over two days last week, car crashes caused significant damage in Hillsdale.

The crash shattered the window and damaged the concrete barrier and railing.

First, on Tuesday, May 20, a driver suffering a medical emergency crossed the westbound lane of Capitol Hwy and crashed into the window of SW Portland Martial Arts/CrossFit Hillsdale. Alhtough there was a class being held at the time, no one was injured in the gym. The driver was taken away in an ambulance. He survived, and the extent of any injuries he may have sustained is not known.

The gym window has since been replaced, and the class schedule continued without disruption. Gym co-owner Wally Jones has a piece of advice: "Don't try to drive yourself to the hospital when you're having a medical emergency."

An accident sent a car into the bridge railing. Photo courtesy Brandon Long.

The following day, what witnesses said was a two-car crash sent one of the vehicles across the eastbound lane of Capitol Hwy into the railing of the Bertha overpass bridge.

Portland Bureau of Transportation reports that they have begun repairs to the historic bridge.

The bridge awaits repair by Portland Bureau of Transportation. Photo courtesy Brandon Long.