MEGLER — No one was seriously injured in a collision just east of the Astoria-Megler Bridge on State Route 401 on Thursday, April 11. The incident happened at about 7:08 p.m. and resulted in a large emergency response.

According to Washington State Patrol Sgt. Bradford Moon, a male driver was commuting back from working in the Astoria area and reportedly fell asleep. He struck a vehicle in front of him and continued rolling for a distance before coming to a stop.

“He said he was really sleepy, fell asleep when he struck the rear of the other vehicle,” Moon said. “I am not sure if he was belted or not, but his head made impact with something, the roof or the windshield or something, which they believe knocked him unconscious.”

Responders first to the scene administered several doses of Narcan to the man as a precaution because they were not sure if he was overdosing — it was at that time the driver regained consciousness.

“The injuries were all bumps and bruises only,” Moon said. “No serious injuries other than the bump on the head of the causing driver.”

The roadway was closed for several hours while WSP investigated the scene. The investigation began as a potential vehicular assault before being ruled an accident due to the driver falling asleep.

“I think just sticking something up his nose may have aroused him,” Moon said. “There was no sign on the search, the inventory search of the vehicle. There was no indication that he had been on any medications, drugs or anything.”