ALPINE, Wyo. — According to a press release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies, Idaho State Police, Jefferson Central, Idaho Falls and Swan Valley Fire have been handling multiple vehicle slide-offs and crashes this morning across Hwy 26 from Ririe to the Wyoming border.
The Idaho Transportation Dept. (ITD) has closed Pinecreek Pass from Swan Valley to Victor due to extreme weather conditions and zero visibility.
According to BCSO, around 9 a.m., while handling a multi-car crash near Antelope Creek Rd on Hwy 26 this morning, an ITD snow plow working to open the area was unable to stop before striking an ISP Patrol Car and two other vehicles. Conditions at that time were very slick, with high winds, blowing snow and low visibility.
Just before the collision, a vehicle came through the crash scene on the right shoulder around the ISP car and back to the left side of the tow and other emergency vehicles and almost hit several of them at speeds too fast for the conditions.
Two ISP troopers were in the patrol car at the time of the collision, and both were taken to the hospital as a precaution for minor injuries. Emergency personnel treated others involved on the scene.
The LDS church in Swan Valley has been set up as a shelter for stranded motorists until roads can be safely reopened.
US26 is closed in both directions due to the crash. The estimated open time is unknown.
WYDOT still has a “no unnecessary travel” alert for this area due to reduced visibility.
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies remind motorists that it’s important to not travel beyond road-closed areas and signs and to slow down when weather conditions limit visibility and roadways are slick. Especially when any emergency lights are working to clear the roadway or treat injured persons. Do your part to avoid placing unnecessary risk to yourself and first responders who may need to come to rescue you in an emergency.
