Update: Oregon Route 126 east of Florence reopens after fatal accident forces closure

Editor's note: This story was updated at 8 a.m. on Monday to provide additional details about the accident and to reflect that the roadway had reopened as of late Sunday night.

Oregon Route 126 closed east of Florence Sunday afternoon following a traffic accident, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

One person is dead and another was injured, according to emergency response officials.

The closure was reported around 3 p.m. on Sunday, about six miles east of Mapleton, between Florence and Eugene. Traffic was being diverted over Highway 36 at Mapleton. The roadway was reopened late Sunday night, according to ODOT.

The highway, a major route in the area, was busier than usual due to the popular "Rhody Fest" Rhododendron Festival in Florence, which had been expected to draw increased traffic volume on the highway.

ODOT officials urged drivers to seek alternative routes and expect delays as emergency responders work to clear the scene and investigate the incident. There was no estimated time for when the highway would reopen.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Update: Oregon Route 126 east of Florence reopens after fatal accident forces closure