At approximately 1613 hours, on 10/22/09, the Blaine County Communications Center received numerous reports of a 2-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 75 and US 20. Wood River Fire and Rescue, The Bellevue Marshall’s Office, The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho Transportation Department responded to the scene. As Deputies of the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office were tied up due to an earlier crash on US 20, the Bellevue Marshall’s Office was requested to respond and assist. The crash investigation determined the following: 59 year old Sangbok Lee, of Vancouver, British Columbia and his wife, 52 year old Jaekung Lee, also of Vancouver, were travelling westbound on US 20. Mr. Lee was driving a green 2003 Jeep Cherokee and believed the intersection was a 4-way stop. Mr. Lee slowed down, but did not come to a complete stop, and then proceeded into the intersection. 29 year old Preston Farner, of Rexburg, Idaho was driving a blue 2006, Chevy truck, northbound on State Highway 75, pulling a 2006 Featherlite 5th-wheel cargo trailer, which was carrying lawnmowers. As Farner’s truck passed through the intersection, Lee’s vehicle struck the passenger side wheels of the trailer. Lee’s vehicle came to rest in the northbound lane of Highway 75 and Farner’s truck/trailer came to rest approximately 100 yards north of the intersection, partially blocking the northbound lane of Highway 75. Seat belts were worn by all parties involved and both Mr. and Mrs. Lee were transported to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center, with unknown injuries. Witness statements at the scene stated Mr. Lee failed to yield from the westbound US 20 stop sign, thus causing the crash. The flashing light over the intersection was functioning and all Stop signs were in place and visible. Lee’s vehicle and the Farner’s trailer received extensive damage from the crash. Farner’s truck sustained minimal damage.
Traffic was delayed and or reduced to one lane in all directions for approximately 1 hour.
Mr. Lee was cited for Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign, which is an infraction. Mr. and Mrs. Lee were treated and later released from St. Luke’s. |
