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ISLAND PARK, Idaho — Idaho State Police say the massive multi-vehicle crash in Island Park on Friday was caused by a semi-truck hitting a passenger car that was stopped due to low visibility in the eastbound lane of U.S. Highway 20.
The crash occurred at about 3 p.m. just north of Island Park.
Multiple subsequent crashes occurred behind the semi-truck, involving approximately 40 vehicles. Thankfully, only minor injuries were reported.
Idaho State Police was assisted by agencies in Idaho: Fremont County Sheriff's Office, Fremont County Search and Rescue, Madison County Sheriff's Office, and Idaho Transportation Department; and agencies in Montana: West Yellowstone Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, and Madison County Sheriff's Office. Several tow companies from Idaho and Montana responded to assist in removing vehicles from the roadway.
Emergency crews spent hours battling severe weather conditions, and the road was closed to the Montana state line for several hours. U.S. 20 was reopened to travelers as of 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
The chaos began around 3:30 p.m. near Henry's Lake Flats when blowing snow resulted in whiteout conditions. The Fremont County Sheriff's Office, Idaho State Police and multiple other agencies were called to the area as stranded drivers on the extremely slick highway were stuck in their vehicles.
Video and photos shared with EastIdahoNews.com show at least one semi-truck, a snowplow and many other vehicles lined up along the highway.
Montana agencies that assisted in the incident include Madison and Gallatin County, along with West Yellowstone police. In Idaho, the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Fremont County Search and Rescue, Island Park Ambulance, Madison County Ambulance, North Fremont Fire Department and Ashton Police assisted in the pileup.
