Wrong-Way Fatal Collision on I-84 Near Wendell ID

Two-Vehicle Collision Investigated by Idaho State Police

The Idaho State Police is investigating a severe two-vehicle collision that occurred late Wednesday, June 26, 2024, caused by a driver traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate.  The incident happened at approximately 10:28 P.M. on westbound Interstate 84 (I-84) at milepost 157, just outside of Wendell in Gooding County.

Details of the Collision

The crash involved a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and a 2023 Volvo semi-truck. According to the Idaho State Police, the Chevrolet, driven by an unidentified adult male, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-84. The vehicle collided head-on with the semi-truck, which was driven by a 36-year-old male with a 35-year-old female passenger, both from North Highlands, California. The Chevrolet overturned and came to rest in the median, while the semi-truck crossed the median, went through the eastbound lanes, and broke through a right-of-way fence before stopping on Frontage Road.

Casualties and Immediate Impact

The driver of the Chevrolet, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. The occupants of the semi-truck, both of whom were wearing seatbelts, did not require transportation to a medical facility.

Traffic Disruptions

The collision resulted in significant traffic disruptions. Traffic was reduced to a single lane for approximately four hours as emergency responders worked at the scene to assist those involved and clear the wreckage.

Investigation and Assistance

The Idaho State Police is leading the investigation into this tragic incident, with assistance from the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, Gooding County Rural Fire, Gooding County EMS, and the Jerome Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash.