Truck Loses Brakes on Scott Canyon Road, Blocks I-84 for Two Hours

Aug 29

Written By Columbia Community Connection

Photos from Sherman County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Sherman County, Ore., Aug. 29, 2025 — A commercial truck lost its brakes on Scott Canyon Road Friday morning, Aug. 29, barreling through Rufus before becoming stuck on Interstate 84 and shutting down traffic for about two hours, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 11:12 a.m. when a 1993 Peterbilt semi-truck hauling a flatbed trailer loaded with heavy equipment overheated its brakes while descending into town, according to the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office. The driver, identified as 44-year-old Adam Earl Haley of Kennewick, Wash., was unable to stop at the controlled intersection of Main and West 1st Street.

Instead, the truck continued past a business, entered the eastbound lanes of I-84 near Milepost 109, and came to a stop on the inside shoulder facing the wrong direction. Officials said Haley managed to avoid colliding with vehicles or structures, preventing what could have been a far more serious accident.

Oregon State Police and local deputies coordinated a rolling slowdown to allow the driver to turn around. But in the process, the rig became high-centered and blocked eastbound lanes, forcing a full closure of the freeway. Tow crews from Purdy’s Towing responded and cleared the scene.

No injuries were reported and there was no property damage, law enforcement said. No citations were issued.

The incident highlights the challenges of navigating steep rural roads leading into Rufus, where heavy commercial vehicles must rely heavily on brakes to descend into town before merging onto the interstate.

Oregon State Police are continuing to investigate.