Thursday, November 8, 2012

Update on Commercial Vehicle Injury Crash Near Swan Valley

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: 11/08/2012 8:00 pm.
Please direct questions to the District Office

On Thursday, November 08, 2012, at approximately 11:45 am, Idaho State Police investigated an injury crash involving a commercial vehicle on US26 near Swan Valley.

Bruce D. Fitzgerald, 58 years old of Shelley, was traveling east on US26 in a 2007 Freightliner with a 2011 Great Dane trailer carrying a load of frozen hamburger patties. At approximately mile post 374, he failed to negotiate a turn causing the semi to go off the road. The trailer separated from the tractor and rolled down the river embankment into the river. The tractor overturned on the road and blocked both lanes of travel.

Fitzgerald was wearing a seatbelt and transported by Swan Valley Ambulance to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

Lanes are currently open on US26 after several hours of partial blockage. The trailer is still submerged in the river and the recovery has been delayed till Friday when more crews are available to safely remove it. Travelers can expect some partial lane blockage and delays during this time.

This crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police with assistance from Bonneville County Sheriff's office, Idaho Transportation Department, and Idaho Fish and Game.

****Update*****


At this time the Idaho State Police is investigating a commercial vehicle crash westbound US26 at milepost 376, near Swan Valley. The eastbound lanes are currently blocked at the crash scene, and all traffic is being routed through the westbound traffic lane.

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