UPDATE: Neighbors react to crash into Blackfoot homes

Dillion Gibson is the man who ran into a Blackfoot home causing a fire and killing 92-year-old William K. Hong Tuesday before 9:30 p.m.

It was a startling sight to the neighborhood as two homes went up in flames. The incident happened at Parkway Drive and Lilac Street in Blackfoot. After crashing into one home and setting it on fire, Gibson ran through a garage and into the Anderson’s backyard.

“We were just sitting in the house last night watching a TV program (when) we heard this great big boom and I thought it was an accident right on this intersection on Lilac and Parkway Drive. Came out the back door and was surprised to see the car was right there in our backyard. It had come right through the neighbor’s garage, started the garage on fire, you can see the flames of the top of the garage,” said Neils Anderson.

Gibson blew through a stop sign and crashed into the garage of a house. The crash then started the fire that spread to the other home.

“There were flashes of fire and it spread all the way down that house and I could see there was a lot of fire there,” said Anderson.

After the first crash and ending up in the Anderson’s backyard — Gibson tried to run.

“I was concerned if there was somebody in the car. Went to the car and there was not a driver there,” said Anderson.

Smoke filled the house of William K. Hong, and he soon died from smoke inhalation.

“We knew his son quite well. Mr. Hong, he owns a Chinese business here in town,” said Anderson.

Gibson was caught shortly after running from his car. He is being held at Bingham County jail and has been charged vehicular manslaughter and aggravated DUI. The incident is still being investigated by Blackfoot City police.