ISLAND PARK, Idaho, Jan. 8, 2022 (East Idaho News/Gephardt Daily) — The East Idaho News reported on Saturday morning that a Friday crash impacting in Island Park, on U.S. Highway 20, impacted more than three dozen vehicles, but caused no serious injuries.
“Idaho State Police say the massive multi-vehicle crash in Island Park on Friday was caused by a semi-truck hitting a passenger car that was stopped due to low visibility in the eastbound lane of U.S. Highway 20,” the update says.
The crash occurred at about 3 p.m. just north of Island Park.
“Multiple subsequent crashes occurred behind the semi-truck, involving approximately 40 vehicles. Thankfully, only minor injuries were reported.”
Idaho State Police was assisted by agencies in Idaho: Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Search and Rescue, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho Transportation Department; and agencies in Montana: West Yellowstone Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Several tow companies from Idaho and Montana responded to assist in removing vehicles from the roadway.
US-20 was reopened to travelers as of 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
- See the original story below.
ISLAND PARK, Idaho (EastIdahoNews/Gephardt Daily) — Emergency crews were on scene for hours battling severe weather conditions that caused 20 to 30 vehicles to crash on US Highway 20 in Island Park on Friday.
Blowing snow at about 3:30 p.m. near Henry’s Lake Flats caused whiteout conditions, EastIdahoNews reported.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and several other agencies responded to the area where drivers were stranded in their vehicles on the extremely slick highway.
As of 8:45 p.m. Friday, it was unclear how many people were injured; however, video and photos shared with EastIdahoNews.com showed at least one semi-truck, a snowplow, and many other vehicles lined up along the highway.
“How bad is it in Island Park? ISP and Fremont County first responders are still working on clearing up a multi-vehicle crash in the area of US20 MP 397,” ISP tweeted around 8:15 p.m. Friday. “They have been braving the hazardous conditions for the past 5 hours.”
Highway 20 and Highway 87 are closed from Island Park to the Montana State Line.
Montana agencies assisting in the incident include Madison and Gallatin counties, and West Yellowstone Police.
In Idaho, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Search and Rescue, Island Park Ambulance, Madison County Ambulance, North Fremont Fire Department and Ashton Police have all responded.
“It’s going to be a long night,” another ISP tweet said. “We express gratitude to our snow plow drivers and tow truck drivers who are out there with us.”
Gephardt Daily will update this developing story as more details become known.
