Friday, September 21, 2012

Fatal Crash on US26 outside of Ririe (Final Update)

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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Idaho State Police
District 6 1540 Foote Dr.
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402-1828
(208) 525-7377 FAX: (208) 525-7294

For Immediate Release: 09/21/12 at 2:43 a.m.
Please direct questions to the District Office

**********Final Update******************

On September 20, 2012, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Idaho State Police investigated a two vehicle fatality crash on US26 at milepost 361, approximately 12 miles east of Ririe.

Shaine White, 37, of Meridian, was driving his 1993 Honda Accord west on US26. Richard Hotchkiss, 56, of Twin Falls, was driving a 2008 Kenworth commercial vehicle east on US26. White crossed the center line entering the eastbound lane. Hotchkiss attempted to avoid White by steering to the right, but White's vehicle struck the commercial vehicle, causing the commercial vehicle to catch fire.

Burns D. Leavitt, 45, of Pocatello, was driving behind White on his 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Leavitt and his passenger Burns M. Leavitt, 19, of Pocatello were struck by debris from the initial crash but were not injured.

White was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene. Hotchkiss was wearing a seatbelt and transported by ground ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

This crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police.


****************UPDATE******************

All lanes of travel are currently reopened.

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The Idaho State Police is currently investigating a two vehicle crash eastbound US26 at milepost 361, east of Ririe. All lanes of travel are currently blocked at this time. Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

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