Three receive minor injuries in three-vehicle accident

Three Orofino residents received minor injuries in a three-vehicle accident Sunday afternoon just before 1 on U.S. Highway 12 near mile post 30 five miles west of Peck junction, according to Idaho State Police.

Vikter J. Pedersen, 28, Juliaetta, was driving a 2011 Toyota Tundra eastbound pulling a utility trailer when he came upon stopped traffic in the eastbound lane. There was a motorcyclist parked on the shoulder of the eastbound lane, along with another vehicle that had stopped to provide assistance. Edith Shapiro, 63, Orofino was also traveling east in Buick LeSabre. She did not stop in time to avoid hitting Pedersen's trailer. The Buick struck the left rear corner of the trailer and she lost control. The car went into the westbound lane and struck a 2014 Subaru Forester being driven by Mindy Pollock, 56, Orofino. The Buick then rolled down the embankment where it came to rest against a stand of trees, ISP said.

Shapiro, Pollock and a passenger in Pollock's car, Linda Challinor, Orofino, were taken to Clearwater Valley Hospital by Clearwater County Ambulance Service. The three were treated at Clearwater Valley Hospital and suffered minor injuries. Pedersen was not injured. All those involved in the accident were wearing seatbelts, ISP said.

The westbound lane was blocked for about 4.5 hours. In addition to ISP and CCAS, Orofino Fire Rescue and Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.