Officials release identities of deceased following multi-vehicle fatality crash

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 8/10/23: The Bannock County Coroner’s Office, in cooperation with Idaho State Police, has confirmed the identities of the deceased following the multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 15 at milepost 74.5 in Bannock County on Wednesday.

Officials say 23-year-old Jaren Goering of Idaho Falls and 26-year-old Monique Morales of Idaho Falls were killed.

Next of kin has been notified.

“My heart goes out to Jaren and Monique’s families and loved ones. I’m so sorry for their loss,” Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner said.

The incident remains under investigation by Idaho State Police.

UPDATE: Idaho State Police troopers are investigating a multi-vehicle fatality collision which occurred on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., on I15 at mile marker 74.5, in Bannock County.

According to police, a 2008 Peterbilt dump-truck was traveling southbound on I-15 when the driver approached slowing traffic and struck three vehicles also traveling southbound. The involved vehicles and occupants were:

• A 1998 Toyota Avalon, driven by a 23-year-old man from Idaho Falls. He and his passenger, a 26-year-old woman from Idaho Falls, were transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital where both succumbed to their injuries. An additional passenger, a 20-year-old woman from Ammon, was not wearing her seatbelt and was transported by law enforcement to a local hospital.
• A 2000 Ford pick-up, driven by a 40-year-old man from Sheridan, WY. He and his passengers a 40-year-old woman and a juvenile, were wearing their seatbelts and were not transported.
• A 2006 Dodge pick-up pulling an empty horse trailer, driven by a 46-year-old man from Beatty, NV. He and his passenger, a 55-year-old woman from Pahrump, NV were wearing their seatbelt and were not transported.

The driver of the Peterbilt, a 67-year-old man from Idaho Falls, was wearing his seatbelt and was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

Traffic southbound on I15 was blocked for approximately two and a half hours until the left lane was re-opened. The right lane remains closed to allow emergency responders to clear the scene.

This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

ORIGINAL: The Idaho Transportation Department reports there's a crash on Interstate 15 that blocked both southbound lanes north of the Northgate Exit.

As of 4:30 p.m., traffic is backed up at mile marker 74.5.

Officials say to expect delays, drive with extreme caution and consider an alternate route.

Check http://511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for updates.