Semi truck crash closes I-15 for hours

Two semi-trucks were involved in a crash at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday that blocked the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 near Blackfoot for several hours. As of 4:45 p.m., all lanes of traffic were open.

Idaho State Police said 57-year-old George Riedel of Quebec had pulled his tractor trailer to the shoulder of the interstate to check for a flat tire.

While he was in his truck calling for help, the semi was struck from behind by another truck hauling double trailers driven by 55-year-old Peter Spicer of Pocatello. Spicer’s semi tipped over onto the side of the road and both rigs caught fire.

Spicer was transported to Bingham Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Traffic was rerouted while the fire was extinguished and crews worked to remove the debris.The crash is still under investigation.