Moose on interstate causes series of serious crashes - East Idaho News
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Moose on interstate causes series of serious crashes

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UPDATE 11:30 a.m.

The following is an update from Idaho State Police:

Shortly after 6:30 a.m., the Idaho State Police responded to a series of crashes westbound on I86 at milepost 49, at the Rainbow Rd. overpass.

Kim Sortor, age 54, of Pocatello, was driving westbound in a Chevrolet Sonic when she struck a moose in the roadway.

Jaime Velasco, age 41, of Cedar City, UT was also westbound in a 1994 Honda Accord when he swerved to avoid the dead moose from Sortor’s crash.

Velasco’s vehicle slid into the median where it overturned and struck the concrete pillar of the Rainbow Road overpass.

Lashae Hamilton, age 20, of Springfield,ID was also westbound in a 2003 Subaru Outback when she struck the dead moose. Hamilton then lost control of her vehicle, which slid off the right shoulder of the road.

All occupants were wearing their seatbelts. Kim Sortor and Lashae Hamilton were not injured. Jaime Velasco and his passenger, Jesus Felix, age 38 and also of Cedar City,UT, were both transported by ground ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.

Westbound traffic on I86 was closed for approximately an hour, and traffic was diverted at the Rainbow Road exit.

ORIGINAL STORY

AMERICAN FALLS — Idaho State Police is currently on the scene of an injury crash in the westbound lanes of Interstate 86 at milepost 49.

Witnesses say it appears a car has smashed into a concrete pillar in the median of the interstate.

Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling through the area.

Police say more information will be released later this morning.

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