ISP investigating single-vehicle fatality crash in rural Clearwater County

CLEARWATER COUNTY -- Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal crash which occurred on Monday at approximately 2 a.m. on Forest Service Road 384/Freezeout Road east of Trapper Peak in the Floodwood State Forest.

A 1984 Western Star Semi Tractor, occupied by a 43-year-old male from Oakesdale Wash., was traveling eastbound on Freezeout Road. The vehicle was approximately 1 1/2 miles east of Trapper Peak when it drove along edge of the roadway. The roadway edge became compromised from the weight of the vehicle and gave way. The semi-tractor slid off the edge, rolled, and came to rest against trees about 120 feet down a steep embankment south of the roadway, ISP reported.

The single occupant was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash prior to responders' arrival. Next of kin has been notified. Responders worked on the scene for approximately 4 1/2 hours. The roadway was reopened to travel in the afternoon hours, ISP said.

Assisting agencies included the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, Benewah County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho State Communications, and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

This incident remains under investigation.