Canyon Co., ID (May 25, 2026) – Three people were hurt Sunday morning, May 24, in a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 45 in Canyon County.
The accident happened at about 11:30 a.m. near mile marker 10.4. Idaho State Police said a Toyota Tacoma was traveling south on State Highway 45 when it collided head-on with a northbound GMC Terrain.
The Tacoma driver, a 22-year-old Melba man, was taken to a hospital by ground ambulance. His passenger, a 45-year-old Melba man, was flown to a hospital for treatment.
The GMC driver, a 35-year-old Meridian man, was also taken to a hospital by ground ambulance. All occupants were wearing seat belts, according to the report.
Both directions of State Highway 45 were blocked for about two hours while emergency units cleared the road.
The wreck remains under review as investigators gather more details. We hope all three people injured receive steady care and support during recovery.
Why Head-On Highway Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Head-on highway accidents can be severe because two vehicles often meet with strong forward force. Even when people wear seat belts, the body can move suddenly against the restraint system, airbags, doors, or dashboard. Injuries may affect the head, chest, back, hips, arms, or legs.
Rural highway crashes can also take longer to manage when both lanes are blocked. Medical teams may need to decide whether a patient should go by ground ambulance or medical helicopter based on injury severity and distance to advanced care. Investigators may review lane position, vehicle damage, road markings, speed, sight distance, and driver statements. Those details can help explain how the vehicles came together and why hospital care was needed.
