Search underway after truck crashes into North Fork Payette River north of Cascade

Incident Update: The Valley County Sheriff's Office is temporarily closing Highway 55 at MP 93 while work begins to recover a vehicle from the Payette River. The Sheriff's office reports that one lane may temporarily be opened to allow traffic through, though the highway will remain closed, and there is no report yet of when it will reopen. A pickup truck plunged into the North Fork of the Payette River after a crash Sunday afternoon on State Highway 55 north of Cascade, prompting a multiagency search as Idaho State Police worked to determine how many people were in the vehicle and whether anyone remains missing. The crash happened near milepost 93.5 during a period of heavy weekend traffic on SH-55. Just before 3 p.m., Idaho State Police received reports that a southbound green Dodge Ram pickup crossed into the northbound lane and collided with another vehicle before leaving the roadway and entering the river. Witnesses reported seeing at least one person exit the pickup and be swept downstream by the swift current. Additional witness information indicated there may have been other people in the pickup. The second vehicle was occupied by three adults who had minor injuries. They were treated and released at the scene. Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including swift water rescue teams, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical personnel, responded and conducted search efforts along the river corridor. However, responders were unable to safely reach the submerged pickup because of high water levels and swift currents. The pickup will remain in the river until conditions allow for safe access and recovery. Operations are expected to continue as conditions allow, which may include bringing down the river’s water level. That could happen as early as Monday. “The swift current, high water levels, and challenging conditions have made this a complex response involving specialized rescue resources,” Trooper Richard Knapp said. “Our focus remains on locating and identifying anyone involved, safely recovering the vehicle, and determining exactly what occurred.” Traffic on SH-55 was temporarily stopped and significantly impacted while emergency crews conducted rescue and investigative operations, but the roadway has since reopened. Idaho State Police said the number and identities of those involved have not been confirmed. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact ISP Dispatch at 208-846-7500. People with family members or loved ones who were traveling through the area Saturday afternoon and have been unable to contact them are also encouraged to call.