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photo courtesy East Idaho News

Fiery vehicle crash closes Idaho 75 near Challis for most of Tuesday

A crash between a tanker truck carrying diesel fuel and a passenger car Tuesday around 8:30 a.m. closed Idaho 75 near the East Fork Salmon River Bridge Complex, about 25 miles southwest of Challis and near Clayton. The crash caused the tanker to overturn and spill 10,000 gallons of fuel, which caught fire and burned for nearly five hours, generating a cloud of black smoke and intense heat.

A 1999 Subaru Forester crossed the centerline heading north and collided with a southbound 2010 Kenworth. The driver of the Subaru, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. The driver of the Kenworth, who was wearing a seat belt, escaped injury.

The Kenworth rolled, rupturing the fuel tanks. The trailers were fully engulfed on the eastern side of the road.

Fuel reached and torched a culvert under the highway, but crews diked the path of the fire, keeping it from spreading beyond the highway right of way. No fuel reached the river. A power line was also compromised.

Volunteers from the North Custer County Fire District kept the fire in check until it consumed large pools of fuel.
The southbound lane reopened to travel at approximately 5 p.m.

Fire District Chief Launna Gunderson said the crash and fire damaged the roadway.

The crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police, with assistance from the Custer County Sheriff Office.

Postscript: The fire burned off the seal coat and into portions of the asphalt on a 30-foot x 55-foot section of pavement. Needed repairs are yet to be determined.