Driver dies in Power County crash

A driver died in a crash on State Highway 39 in Power County on Wednesday morning.

Around 8:30 a.m., a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am was travelling south on the highway near Rast Road. Concepcion Palacios, 56, of Aberdeen, was traveling north in a semi-truck pulling an empty trailer.

Idaho State Police said the driver of the Pontiac crossed the center line, entering the northbound lane of travel and striking the semi-truck head on. Both vehicles became engulfed in flames.

The driver of the Pontiac was pronounced dead at the scene. Palacios was transported by ground ambulance to Harms Memorial Hospital in American Falls.

Police aren’t releasing the name of the driver of the Pontiac until official identification and notifications are made. The driver of the Pontiac was not wearing a seat belt. It is unknown if Palacios was wearing a seat belt.

Traffic was diverted around the crash until it was cleared around 3:30 p.m.