VIOLA, ID – Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. Highway 95 and Highway 66, north of Viola.

According to ISP, the crash happened at approximately 1:31 p.m. on Jan. 7. A brown 2010 Toyota Venza was traveling eastbound on Highway 66 and turned right to head southbound on Highway 95. At the same time, a 2009 Peterbilt semi-truck hauling cargo was traveling southbound on Highway 95.

Troopers said the semi-truck made emergency maneuvers to avoid hitting the Toyota, briefly swerving into the northbound left-turn lane before returning to the southbound lanes to avoid oncoming traffic. The trailer of the semi-truck struck the Toyota Venza, causing it to lose control and hit the guardrail on the southbound shoulder.

The Toyota then rebounded off the guardrail, crossed into northbound traffic, and collided head-on with a white 2022 Ram 2500 pickup truck.

The Toyota Venza was driven by a 70-year-old woman from Palouse, Washington. ISP said she was wearing a seatbelt but died at the scene from her injuries. A 56-year-old man from Ferdinand, Idaho, was driving the semi-truck and was not injured.

The Ram pickup was driven by a 57-year-old man from Otis Orchards, Washington. He sustained severe injuries and was flown by air ambulance to an out-of-area hospital for treatment.

Next of kin has been notified. Highway 95 was fully blocked for approximately four and a half hours while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene and has since reopened.

Assisting agencies included the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Moscow EMS, Moscow Rural Fire Department, Potlatch Fire Department, the Idaho Transportation Department, and Life Flight.