Driver holding his breath through a tunnel faints, causes 3-car crash

MANNING, Ore. – Police say a 19-year-old man caused a three-car crash when he fainted while holding his breath as he drove through a tunnel in Oregon.

According to a news release, Daniel J. Calhon told investigators he fainted Sunday afternoon while holding his breath in the Highway 26 tunnel near the community of Manning. His car, a 1990 Toyota Camry, drifted across the centerline and crashed head-on with a Ford Explorer.

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Both vehicles struck the tunnel walls before a pickup hit the Camry.

Four people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say Calhon has been cited for reckless driving, three counts of reckless endangerment and fourth-degree assault.

Some people hold their breaths in tunnels as part of a game or superstition.

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