Driver survives after car crashes into river

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - UPDATE 3:00 p.m. A driver is lucky to be alive after driving off the road and into the South Fork of the Snake River Tuesday around 9:36 a.m.

Idaho State Police reports Mistie Siepert, 42, of Idaho Falls, was driving a tan 2002 Ford Taurus eastbound US26 at 347.5 when she went off the right shoulder. The vehicle went down the embankment, coming to rest in the river about 100 feet from the roadway.

Idaho State Police say the driver was able to get out of her Ford Taurus and swim back to safety.

The lanes of travel were blocked for approximately four hours for emergency crews and removal of the vehicle.

ISP reports Siepert was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.

ORIGINAL: A driver is lucky to be alive after driving off the road and into the South Fork of the Snake River Tuesday morning.

Idaho State Police say the driver was able to get out of her Ford Taurus and swim back to safety.

The crash is located on Highway 26 at mile marker 374 near Swan Valley.

The Bonneville County Sheriff's Office reports ISP will be helping them remove the car out of the river.

ISP reports the eastbound lanes were blocked but are open as of 1:20 p.m.

An ambulance transported the woman to the hospital.