Police search for people swept away by river after Idaho 55 truck crash
Witnesses reported seeing at least one person swept away by the Payette River after a truck went into the water on Sunday. Law enforcement still hasn’t located any accident victims.
Dispatch received reports shortly before 3 p.m. that a Dodge Ram pickup truck was driving south on Idaho 55 when it crossed into the northbound lane, collided with another vehicle and crashed into the river’s North Fork near milepost 93.5, south of Cascade, Idaho State Police said in a news release.
Police said there was “heavy weekend traffic” on the highway at the time, and witnesses reported seeing “at least one occupant exit the pickup and be swept downstream by the swift current.” Some witnesses indicated there may have been additional occupants in the pickup.
“Search efforts were conducted along the river corridor,” police said. “Due to hazardous river conditions, high water levels, and swift currents, responders were unable to safely get to the submerged pickup.”
Idaho 55 traffic was halted for hours on Sunday while rescue operations were underway, but officials have since reopened the highway.
As of 8 p.m. Sunday, Idaho State Police had not been able to confirm the number or identities of those inside the truck. Aaron Snell, ISP spokesperson, told the Idaho Statesman that there were no further updates at 9:30 a.m. Monday.
The agency said the pickup would remain in the Payette River until “water conditions allow for safe access and recovery,” which may include lowering the river’s water level.
“The swift current, high water levels, and challenging conditions have made this a complex response involving specialized rescue resources,” Richard Knapp, Idaho State Police trooper, said in a statement on Sunday. “Our focus remains on locating and identifying anyone involved, safely recovering the vehicle, and determining exactly what occurred.”
Law enforcement asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to call dispatch at 208-846-7500. They also encouraged anyone who has been unable to reach loved ones who may have been traveling through this area to call.
The three adults in the vehicle hit by the pickup sustained minor injuries and were released at the scene, according to police.
