Update-Blocking Crash on I84 Near Hazelton

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897

For Immediate Release: 5/15/19 12:55 a.m.
Please direct questions to the District Office

Update:

On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated a multiple-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, at milepost 191, near Hazelton, in Jerome County.



During heavy winds and rain, a sudden dust storm covered the westbound lanes of Interstate 84. Keith G. Witt, 54, of Brigham City, UT, driving a 2014 International truck, Jake D. Sluder, 24, of Twin Falls, ID, driving a 1998 International truck, Kyle E. Hoskins, 31, of Jerome, ID, driving a 2007 International truck, and Douglas Megargle, 52, of Jerome, ID, driving a 2017 GMC Sierra pickup, all slowed to a stop. Filimon B. Miranda, 58, of Twin Falls, ID, driving a 2015 Mack truck failed to stop before striking the rear of Megargle?s vehicle.



Megargle's vehicle spun out of control, then struck the rear of Hoskins' vehicle. Miranda continued westbound, then struck the rear of Hoskins' vehicle, pushing it off the right shoulder, and through a fence. Miranda continued westbound and struck the rear of Sluder's vehicle. Sluder struck the rear of Witt's vehicle. Wilma L. Benefiel, 72, of Mesa, AZ, driving a 2018 Toyota Sequoia SUV failed to stop before striking the rear of Megargle's vehicle.



Sally F. Rose, 60, of Jerome, ID was a passenger in Megargle's vehicle. Susan H. Leavitt, 74, of Mesa, AZ was a passenger in Benefiel's vehicle.



All occupants of all vehicles were wearing seatbelts at the time the crashes occurred. Hoskins was transported by personal vehicle to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, ID. Megargle succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. Rose was initially transported by ground ambulance to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, ID, then later transported by air ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, ID. Miranda was transported by ground ambulance to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, ID. Next of kin has been notified. All westbound lanes were reopened at 7:47 p.m.



Idaho state police was assisted by Jerome County Sheriff's Office, Jerome County Rural Fire Department, Magic Valley Paramedics, and the Idaho Transportation Department.



2850 / 3761



End Update



Idaho State Police is currently investigating a multiple vehicle crash westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 192, near Hazelton. The westbound lanes are completely blocked at this time.

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