Medical helicopter responds to serious crash on Highway 20 - East Idaho News
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Medical helicopter responds to serious crash on Highway 20

  Published at  | Updated at

UPDATE 6:55 p.m.

The following is a news release from Idaho State Police

On July 16, 2016, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated a crash on US 20 near milepost 323, in Jefferson County.

Christian D. Schmardebeck, 43, of Idaho Falls, ID, was driving westbound on US 20 in a 2014 Ram Promaster van pulling a 2006 Royal trailer. Brad J. Merrill, 66, of Idaho Falls, ID was also driving westbound, on a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Schmardebeck attempted to change from the slow lane to the fast lane, and struck Merrill.

Jane D. Merrill, 59, of Idaho Falls, ID, was a passenger on the motorcycle. Jane Merrill was transported by air ambulance, and Brad Merrill was transported by ground ambulance, both to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, ID. Both Merrills were wearing helmets.

The crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police, with assistance from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Rigby Police Department.

ORIGINAL STORY

RIGBY — Multiple crews are responding to a serious crash on Highway 20 near Rigby Lake.

Witnesses say the accident occurred in the southbound lanes shortly after 3 p.m.

A medical helicopter just landed and traffic was at a standstill in both directions.

Several ambulances are on the scene and police are directing southbound traffic onto alternative routes. Northbound traffic is also moving slow.

Travelers are asked to avoid the area for the next hour.

EastIdahoNews.com will update this story with new information when we receive it.

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| Photo courtesy Jason Wellwood.

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