Fatal crash near Rathdrum
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 21 hours, 21 minutes AGO
The Idaho State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred this morning at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Highway 53 near milepost 7 in Rathdrum.
According to ISP, the preliminary investigation indicates a 2002 Peterbilt work truck driven by a 51-year-old male from Spirit Lake was traveling westbound on Highway 53, failed to maintain the lane of travel, crossed the eastbound lane, ran off the roadway and crashed into a tree on the eastbound roadside, overturned and caught fire.
The driver and sole occupant of the Peterbilt appeared to have been wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash and succumbed to injuries at the scene. Next of kin has been notified.
Traffic on Highway 53 was completely blocked while emergency responders processed the scene. After approximately two hours and 40 minutes, the westbound lane was reopened to allow for alternating traffic during the recovery of the Peterbilt.
The incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.