BEND, OR -- Three people were hospitalized following a head-on collision on Highway 97 just south of Bend, Tuesday morning. Oregon State Police Trooper Rich Brannin tells KBND it started when 19-year-old Richard Rose of Bend crossed the center line at about 8 a.m. “A gold 2002 Ford Explorer that was traveling southbound in the 'A' lane, the fast lane, drifted outside of its lane into the opposing traffic’s lane, northbound, and struck the other vehicle head on.” Rose and his passenger were airlifted to St. Charles Bend with critical injuries. 

9:00 a.m. Tuesday

A head-on crash tied up traffic Tuesday morning, shutting down Highway 97 in both directions, south of Bend.  A number of patients have been transported to area hospitals with what is described as traumatic injuries. 

The Ford Explorer and Dodge Ram pickup collided near milepost 146, about six miles south of Bend, just after 8 a.m. Oregon State Police, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Bend Fire and Sunriver Fire all responded to the scene. First arriving medics then asked for two air ambulances. 

As of 9 a.m., the highway remains closed. 

10:05 a.m. Update:

Both directions of Highway 97 are open. Crash reconstructionists have been called to the scene. Three patients were transferred to area hospitals, two taken by air ambulance.