RATHDRUM, Kootenai County, Idaho, Nov. 13, 2026 — A man died on Thursday afternoon, November 12, in a head-on crash between a car and a semi-truck on Highway 53 between Rathdrum and Rathdrum, according to Idaho State Police.
The crash happened near McGuire Road just before 4 p.m. An Acura TSX heading westbound reportedly crossed into the eastbound lane and struck the semi-truck head-on. Both vehicles caught fire after the collision.
The driver of the Acura died at the scene. Authorities said the semi-truck's driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered minor injuries. Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Idaho Transportation Department assisted at the scene.
The highway was closed for about four hours while crews worked the crash. Idaho State Police said the investigation remains open, and no cause has been released.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in Rathdrum, ID
This truck crash happened on Highway 53 in Rathdrum, ID. We cover crashes across Kootenai County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Kootenai County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do semi-trucks take so much longer to stop than cars?
A fully loaded semi can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car, and that extra weight means a much longer braking distance, especially at highway speeds.
Why are crashes between cars and trucks usually more severe?
The size and weight gap between a semi and a passenger vehicle means the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the force in a collision, which tends to produce more serious injuries for the car's occupants.
What are a truck's blind spots, and why do they matter?
Semi-trucks have large blind spots along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and close in front of the cab. Drivers should avoid lingering in these areas, since the truck driver may not be able to see them.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, usually because the trailer sits higher off the ground than the car's structure.
