Crash Forces Youth Field Trip to Hospital
A two-vehicle collision on U.S. 95 near Elmira left 12 people injured Wednesday afternoon, including youth participants from a summer program who were en route to Kootenai Falls for a field trip.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:24 p.m. The van, carrying one adult chaperone, one junior high mentor, and ten youth participants, collided with a second vehicle on the highway. One person was airlifted from the scene to receive higher-level care.
All 12 patients were transported to Bonner General Health. Eleven van occupants and the driver of the second vehicle were evaluated and treated at the facility.
Kristin Carlson, marketing manager at Bonner General Health, said the hospital’s Emergency Department and clinical teams “responded immediately and continue to provide care to those affected.”
The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office and other first responders continue investigating the circumstances of the collision. No additional details regarding injuries or the cause of the crash have been released.
What Comes Next: Investigation into the accident remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released specifics on how the crash occurred or the extent of injuries to the victims. Parents and guardians of the youth participants have been notified of the incident.