Payette County, ID (May 10, 2026) – Five people, including multiple juveniles, were hospitalized Saturday afternoon following a three-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 95 north of Payette, according to Idaho State Police.
Troopers said the crash occurred near mile marker 72 when a 2016 Jeep Renegade driven by a 44-year-old Caldwell man was traveling northbound and crossed into the southbound lanes.
A 2000 Honda Accord, operated by an 18-year-old driver from Weiser and carrying a juvenile passenger, was traveling southbound at the time. Investigators said the Accord attempted to avoid the Jeep by swerving into the northbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a northbound 2020 Honda Ridgeline.
The Honda Ridgeline was driven by a 49-year-old Boise man and carried two passengers who were both under the age of 18.
Authorities stated that the driver of the Jeep was not injured in the incident.
The occupants of the Honda Accord were airlifted to a local hospital for treatment, while the driver and passengers in the Honda Ridgeline were transported by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital. Officials have not released details regarding the extent of the injuries suffered by those involved.
Northbound lanes of U.S. 95 were shut down for approximately an hour and a half while emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by Idaho State Police.
Our thoughts are with all of those injured in this collision, and we wish them a full recovery.
Head-On Collisions and Highway Crash Investigations
Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of roadway accidents because they often involve high combined speeds and severe impact forces. Even when drivers attempt evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision, sudden lane changes can result in secondary crashes involving additional vehicles.
Highway incidents involving multiple vehicles frequently require coordinated emergency responses that include air ambulances, ground EMS crews, and lengthy roadway closures while investigators determine the sequence of events.
Transportation officials continue reminding drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and maintain safe lane control, particularly on rural highways where opposing traffic travels at high speeds with limited separation.
