Injury crash US 12 near SH 3 junction, blocks traffic for about 2 1/2 hours

Idaho State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred at 11:08 a.m. at US Highway 12 milepost 15 at the State Highway 3 junction in Nez Perce County.

A loaded Western Star log truck driven by a 53-year-old man from Pierce was westbound on US12 when an eastbound white Ford Focus driven by a 66-year-old male from Post Falls conducted an illegal U-turn. The log truck swerved left of center to avoid the collision. The Focus then struck the trailer tires causing the log truck to overturn coming to rest in the westbound ditch with his load blocking US12 in both directions, according to ISP.

Both drivers and the 57-year-old female passenger, also from Post Falls, in the Ford were transported to a local hospital via ground ambulance. All occupants were wearing seat belts, ISP reported.

Traffic on US 12 and SH 3 were blocked in both directions for approximately 2 1/2 hours. The Ford driver was cited for reckless driving, ISP said.

The incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.