Dangerous conditions cause deadly car crash near Elk Creek
(Update 9:00 p.m.) The press release below clarified that the accident involved two vehicles, read below for more details.
This is a press release from Idaho State Police
PALISADES, Idaho (ISP) – Idaho State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on US26 at milepost 391.
At 02:16 P.M. on December 14,2024 Idaho State Police (ISP) troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on westbound US26 at milepost 391. A 66-year-old male of Shelley Idaho was driving a 2018 Jeep Renegade eastbound on US26. The Jeep Renegade crossed the center line at approximately milepost 391, hitting a 2020 Freight 114SD Snowplow that was driving westbound. The Snowplow was driven by a 48-year-old male from Swan Valley, Idaho.
The driver of the Jeep sustained critical injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. The passenger of the Jeep a 67-year-old female, sustained injuries and was transported via ground ambulance to a local hospital.
The drivers of both vehicles, as well as the Jeeps passenger were wearing seatbelts.
The west bound and eastbound lanes of US26 were blocked for approximately 4 hours.
Idaho State Police were assisted by Wyoming Highway Patrol, Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Falls Ambulance, Swan Valley Fire Department, and Bonneville Sheriff’s Office.
BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – A deadly crash involving a single car happened Saturday afternoon near Elk creek claiming the life of a man. The accident happened at mile marker 391 on Highway 26. Another passenger was taken by ambulance to EIRMC.
Weather conditions make driving treacherous as police and first responders throughout the area are dealing with accidents.
The safest way to avoid accidents is to just stay home if you don’t need to go anywhere.
If you need to travel in these wintery conditions, plan extra travel time and slow down. Keep things like water, blankets, and any other items that can help should you get stuck.
Swan Valley Fire Chief Travis Crystal told Local News 8 that driving conditions are very dangerous and Highway 26 is closed from the Palisades Dam to the Wyoming border.
The investigation into the accident is continuing.
