Driver hits gas line in northern Idaho resulting in temporary evacuations
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The following is a news release from Idaho State Police.
POST FALLS — Idaho State Police is investigating a two vehicle, head on crash in the intersection of SH 41 and Prairie Avenue.
A driver of a Chevy Cruz was traveling northbound on SH 41 in the left turn lane. According to witnesses, southbound traffic had a green light when the driver of the Chevy Cruz began making a left turn. The driver of the Chevy failed to yield to southbound traffic and was struck by a Toyota Highlander.
The Chevy came to rest blocking both southbound lanes on SH 41. The Toyota ran off the southwest corner of SH 41 and struck an Avista gas line. This caused a significant gas leak.
ISP, along with Post Falls Police, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho Transportation Department, shut down SH 41 and Prairie Avenue. Area businesses were temporarily evacuated until the gas was shut off.
SH 41 and Prairie Avenue were shut down for approximately one hour until Avista shut off the gas line.
As of 12:43 p.m., all lanes were back open.