Propane truck crash causes highway fire

RUPERT — Idaho State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a fuel tanker that led to a large fire east of Rupert.

The crash occurred on Idaho Highway 25 at milepost 54 at around 11 a.m.

Police reports show a 1992 Ford Econoline van, driven by an 18-year-old female from Dryden, Washington, was northbound on Idaho Highway 25. The driver of the van failed to yield at a stop sign and crossed into the path of a 2017 Kenworth Propane truck, driven by a 42-year-old male from Burley.

The collision caused the Kenworth’s fuel tanks and propane tank to rupture and catch on fire. As a precaution residents within a mile radius of the crash were evacuated.

The roadway was blocked for approximately three hours while crews worked to clear the scene. All occupants involved were wearing their seat belts.

The Idaho State Police was assisted by the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Department, the Rupert Fire Department, the East End Fire Department, the North Side Fire Department, the East End QRU, Emergency Response Ambulance, the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Minidoka Highway District.