LEWISTON, ID – Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Highway 12 near milepost 17.5, about 14 miles east of Lewiston.

According to police, the crash happened at 4:11 p.m. when a black 2025 Subaru Forester, driven by an 80-year-old man from Peck and occupied by his 80-year-old female passenger, was traveling east. According to preliminary findings, the Subaru crossed the center line and struck a gray 2024 Ford Bronco traveling west, driven by a 55-year-old woman from Lewiston.

The impact caused the Ford Bronco to roll onto its side, where it caught fire. Motorists at the scene removed the woman from the Bronco due to the immediate fire threat. She was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

The Subaru’s passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a hospital. The driver of the Subaru died at the scene.

The crash blocked the highway for about four hours before reopening around 8:00 p.m.

Agencies assisting at the scene included the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Nez Perce County Fire Department, Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office, Lewiston Fire Department, Lewiston EMS, Lapwai City Fire Department, Life Flight, and the Idaho Transportation Department.

The crash remains under investigation by Idaho State Police.