Idaho State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on Highway 95 near Elmira on Wednesday afternoon that left 12 people injured, including members of a youth summer program on a field trip.
The collision occurred at approximately 2:09 p.m. near milepost 490 when a Ford Transit van driven by a 29-year-old from Naples entered the highway and was struck by a Chevy Express van traveling in the opposite direction. The Chevy Express van, driven by a 34-year-old male from Usk, Washington, was transporting 10 passengers along with the driver, an adult chaperone, and a junior high mentor — 13 individuals total.
The youth participants were part of a summer program group on a field trip near Kootenai Falls when the crash occurred. One patient was airlifted directly from the scene, while the remaining 11 program participants and the Ford Transit driver were transported to Bonner General Health. Additional patients were taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Children’s Emergency Department in Spokane.
Idaho State Patrol continues investigating the cause of the collision. No names have been released to protect the privacy of those involved.
What Comes Next: The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to contact Idaho State Patrol. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on Highway 95 in the Bonner County area, which has experienced previous vehicle incidents in recent months.