IDAHO COUNTY, ID – Idaho State Police officials are investigating a semi collision that occurred early Saturday at approximately 3:00 a.m. on US 12 at milepost 155.5 in Idaho County. That location is between the Jerry Johnson and Wendover campgrounds.
“The driver of a 1994 Kenworth, a KW Baker truck, was traveling westbound on US12 near mile marker 155.5, hauling garbanzo beans from Missoula, Montana to Lewiston, Idaho,” an ISP press release says.
According to the investigation and statements from the driver, the 66-year-old male driver from Lewiston fell asleep and drove off the road on the eastbound shoulder. The truck traveled down a steep embankment and came to rest on the driver’s side of the vehicle, partially submerging the cab of the truck into the Lochsa River. The driver was not injured.
An estimated 50 gallons of diesel spilled into the river and the load of garbanzo beans was spread along the bank.
“Hazmat mitigation efforts have been taken and teams are attempting to clean up the spill,” ISP says.
The incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.
