PAUL, Idaho — A two-vehicle crash in Paul on Monday afternoon sent multiple occupants, including children, to local hospitals.
The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of 1150 West and 300 North. According to Idaho State Police, a 38-year-old man from Rupert was driving a 2002 Honda CR-V east on 300 North when he failed to stop at a stop sign. His vehicle was struck by a northbound 2025 Jeep Compass driven by a 23-year-old woman from Paul.
The collision caused the Jeep to roll onto its passenger side and catch fire, with flames quickly spreading to the Honda and nearby grass. All occupants managed to escape before the vehicles were fully engulfed.
The Honda driver was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital. The Jeep driver was flown by air ambulance, while two juvenile passengers were also airlifted to nearby hospitals. Another juvenile passenger was taken by ground ambulance. Officials confirmed that all occupants were wearing seat belts.
West End Fire and QRU crews responded to extinguish the fire, assisted by Minidoka Memorial ER 1 and ER 2, LifeFlight, Classic Air Ambulance, Air St. Luke's, and the Minidoka County Sheriff's Office.
The crash remains under investigation by Idaho State Police.