CUSTER COUNTY, Idaho — An Idaho truck driver was killed Thursday morning after his gravel-loaded trailer entered a roadside pit, separated from the tractor and overturned along U.S. Highway 93.
The Custer County coroner identified the driver as 51-year-old William Park of Ammon, Idaho.
The crash happen at approximately 10:37 a.m. on August 27 near milepost 154, east of Challis.
According to Idaho State Police, Park was driving a northbound 2005 Peterbilt semi-truck pulling a trailer loaded with gravel. The truck traveled off the right side of the highway and entered what authorities described as a borrow pit.
Park attempted to steer the combination vehicle back onto the roadway. The tractor made it back onto the highway, but the loaded trailer remained inside the pit.
The tractor and trailer then separated from each other. The tractor rolled one time before landing upright on its wheels, while the gravel trailer overturned onto its roof.
Park suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.
Authorities have not said what initially caused the truck to leave the roadway, or whether speed, fatigue, mechanical problems or another factor contributed. No other vehicles was reported to be involved.
The investigation remains active with Idaho State Police.
