2 from Post Falls hurt in U.S. 12 crash

Two people from Post Falls were injured in two-vehicle accident today.

According to the Idaho State Police, a loaded Western Star log truck driven by a 53-year-old man from Pierce was westbound on U.S. 12 about 11 a.m. when an eastbound Ford Focus driven by a 66-year-old man from Post Falls conducted an illegal U-turn at U.S. 12 milepost 15 at the Highway 3 junction in Nez Perce County.

The log truck swerved left of center to avoid the collision. The Focus then struck the trailer tires causing the log truck to overturn coming to rest in the westbound ditch with his load blocking U.S. 12 in both directions, the release said.

Both drivers and the 57-year-old female passenger, also from Post Falls, in the Ford were transported to a hospital via ground ambulance. All occupants were wearing seat belts. 

Traffic on U.S. 12 and Highway 3 was blocked in both directions for about 2 ½ hours.  

The Ford driver was cited for reckless driving, the release said.

The incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.