Dust storm between Chubbuck and American Falls causes road blockage

UPDATE 4/24/20 5:00 p.m. Idaho State Police and the Power County Sheriff's Office investigated four crashes involving a total of five-passenger vehicles and eight commercial vehicles on I-86 between mileposts 47 and 49, east of American Falls Thursday.

One of the commercial vehicles involved spilled its load of fertilizer, which had to be cleaned up.

Multiple individuals from the vehicles involved were taken to local medical centers.

Both sides of the interstate were blocked from approximately 11:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The closure was due to visibility from a dust storm, crashes, and clean-up.

Idaho State Police and Power County Sheriff deputies were assisted by Power County Fire and EMS, Fort Hall Fire, Fort Hall Police, Fish and Game, and the Idaho Transportation Department.

UPDATE 7:45 p.m.: Idaho State Police said the eastbound lanes have reopened for traffic.

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Idaho State Police is on the scene of multiple crashes on Interstate 86 near milepost 49, the Rainbow Road exit.  

ISP says the interstate is currently blocked on the eastbound lanes at milepost 40 at American Falls.  

The westbound lanes are currently blocked at milepost 52, the Arbon Valley Highway exit.

ITD says to look out for dust storms because visibility is reduced. Officials ask you consider using an alternate route.