U.S. 95 crash injures 12 people

ELMIRA — A dozen people were taken to Bonner General Health after the 12-passenger van they were in en route to a field trip as part of a youth summer program was involved in a crash on U.S. 95 near Elmira about 2:24 p.m. Wednesday.

BGH officials said they received 12 patients following the two-vehicle accident involving a youth summer program traveling to a field trip near the Kootenai Falls.

One of the program's 12-passenger vans, carrying one adult chaperone, one junior high mentor, and 10 youth participants, was involved in the collision. BGH officials said they received 11 occupants from the van, as well as the driver of the second vehicle, for evaluation and treatment. One individual was airlifted directly from the scene to a higher level of care.

"Our Emergency Department and clinical teams responded immediately and continue to provide care to those affected," Kristin Carlson, BGH marketing manager, said. "We are grateful to the first responders and partner agencies whose coordinated efforts helped ensure a rapid response."

Out of respect for patient privacy and the ongoing investigation, Bonner General Health will not be releasing additional information regarding individual patients or their conditions.