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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Region 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897
For Immediate Release: 07/18/2011 7:00 pm
Contact: Trooper T. Debie
On Monday, July 18, 2011 at approximately 3:15 pm, the Idaho State Police investigated a crash involving a jackknifed semi and two other vehicles on US30 at milepost 192, near Buhl.
Michelle Tirado, 29, of Buhl, was stopped westbound on US30 near milepost 192 in a black 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, waiting to make a left hand turn into a driveway. Carol Hoholik, 68, of Hagerman, also traveling westbound, was slowing down to stop behind Tirado in a maroon 2004 Hyundai SUV. As Hoholik was slowing, Samuel Rathbun, 49, of Buhl, was attempting to stop his 2000 Kenworth semi behind Hoholik but was unable to stop in time. Rathbun tried steering to avoid the Hyundai, causing the semi to jackknife and impact the Hyundai with the tank of the semi. Hoholik's vehicle was forced off into the left shoulder, but Tirado's vehicle was untouched.
Upon impact, the semi tank was punctured, causing 150 gallons of diesel to spill out onto the roadway. Both lanes of US30 were completely blocked at this location for approximately two hours. The passenger in the Hyundai, Richard Pullen, 76 of Hagerman, was transported by ground ambulance for minor injuries to Saint Lukes Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. No other occupants were injured. Alcohol and road conditions were not a factor in the crash.
This crash is under investigation by Trooper Debie. He was assisted by Trooper Otto, Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office, Buhl Fire Department, Magic Valley Paramedics and the Transportation Department.
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