In a late-night incident on Saturday, two cars collided in downtown Portland, resulting in injuries to four individuals. The crash occurred at approximately 3 a.m. at the intersection of southwest Naito Parkway and southwest Columbia Street, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and provided medical assistance to the injured victims. Several individuals were subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, with one person reported to be in critical condition, sustaining life-threatening injuries.

As authorities delve deeper into the cause of the crash, preliminary investigations suggest that speed and alcohol may have played a role in the incident. The Portland Police Department is currently conducting a thorough examination of the accident to determine the exact factors contributing to the collision.

In light of the ongoing investigation, it has been deemed necessary to temporarily close southwest Naito Parkway in both directions, spanning from southwest Jefferson Street to southwest Clay Street. These closures are expected to remain in effect until further notice, as authorities work diligently to gather evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the crash.

The Portland Police Department urges anyone with relevant information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. Individuals who have not yet spoken to law enforcement are encouraged to reach out via email to crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, addressing their correspondence to the Traffic Investigations Unit and including the case number 23-33222 in the subject line.

As the investigation unfolds, the local community hopes for a swift recovery for all those injured in the crash. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the potential consequences of excessive speed and impaired decision-making behind the wheel.

Authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety on Portland's roads and will continue their efforts to identify and address any contributing factors to such incidents, with the aim of preventing future accidents and protecting the well-being of the community.