Fatal and Unusual Incidents on Idaho Highways Over the Weekend

According to multiple press releases, Idaho State Police (ISP) responded to multiple incidents on Idaho roadways this past weekend, including two fatal accidents, and a typically routine stop that ended in an arrest and several felony charges. Below is a recap of the major events.

Fatal Crash Near Elk City Summit Rd. in Idaho County

On October 5, 2024, ISP and the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle crash near Elk City Summit Rd. The vehicle involved was a 2001 Ford F350 driven by a 57-year-old man from Nampa, Idaho.

Casualties and Injuries

A 41-year-old male passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 67-year-old female passenger was airlifted to a local hospital. The driver sustained no injuries.

Seatbelt Usage and Road Conditions

While the female passenger was wearing a seatbelt, neither of the male occupants were. The crash resulted in a road closure for three and a half hours. Alcohol and speed were not considered contributing factors.

Just after midnight on October 4, 2024, an ISP trooper stopped a vehicle on Interstate 15 for speeding. The vehicle was driven by a 46-year-old man who was later arrested for multiple offenses.

Discovery of Drugs and Firearm

During the stop, a K9 unit from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office was deployed and alerted to narcotics. A search revealed 2.25 pounds of methamphetamine and a handgun.

Charges and Arrest

The driver was arrested on charges of DUI, methamphetamine trafficking, and possession of a firearm.

On October 4, 2024, a powerful dust storm caused a massive pileup involving over 60 vehicles on US Highway 95, south of Genesee, Idaho.

Emergency Response and Road Closure

ISP and Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office closed the highway, while local tow companies worked to clear the scene. The road was reopened after several hours of effort.

Injuries and Seatbelt Use

Though multiple injuries were reported, the use of seatbelts minimized the severity. Three individuals were transported to local hospitals, and most drivers were able to avoid additional crashes.

A two-vehicle collision occurred on October 4, 2024, at the intersection of State Highway 33 and Interstate 15. A 29-year-old man from Nampa driving a Honda Accord rear-ended a tractor-trailer.

Airlifted to Hospital

The driver of the Honda Accord was seriously injured, transported by air ambulance and succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The tractor-trailer driver, a 62-year-old man from Alberta, Canada, was unharmed.

Ongoing Investigation

The highway was blocked for three hours, and ISP continues to investigate the crash.