A Pocatello teenager suffered injuries serious enough to require helicopter transport Thursday night after crashing a dirt bike on a backcountry trail in the Scout Mountain area south of the city.
The crash was reported around 8 p.m., prompting Bannock County sheriff’s deputies and search and rescue personnel to respond to the remote location. Given the terrain and the nature of the teen’s injuries, emergency crews determined an airlift was necessary.
Helicopter Called from Burley After Local Aircraft Unavailable
A complication arose when Portneuf Medical Center’s own helicopter was unavailable. Crews then requested assistance from the Lifeflight Network, which dispatched a helicopter from Burley. That aircraft reached the scene and landed near the crash site at approximately 10 p.m. — about two hours after the initial call came in.
The teenager was airlifted to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello for treatment. No additional information about the extent of injuries was immediately available.
Scout Mountain a Popular but Rugged Recreation Area
The Scout Mountain area draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, off-road riding, and other backcountry recreation. The terrain, while scenic, presents real hazards — particularly for riders navigating trails after dark. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with backcountry recreation and the importance of having emergency contacts aware of a rider’s planned route and return time.
Bannock County Search and Rescue volunteers play a critical role in incidents like this one, often working alongside sheriff’s deputies to locate and stabilize victims in terrain that emergency vehicles cannot easily reach. Thursday’s response required coordination across multiple agencies and two counties to get the teen the care he needed.
Dirt bike and off-road vehicle accidents on backcountry trails around southeast Idaho have resulted in serious injuries in recent years. Earlier this year, an Arimo man died after losing control of his vehicle on Mink Creek Road, another backcountry corridor south of Pocatello — underscoring the dangers that can accompany recreation in the region’s rugged terrain.
What Comes Next
The teenager’s condition and the full extent of injuries had not been publicly released as of this report. Bannock County sheriff’s officials have not indicated whether any citation or investigation into the circumstances of the crash is expected. Portneuf Medical Center would be the treating facility, though patient privacy rules limit what agencies can disclose about a minor’s medical status.
Residents planning backcountry recreational outings in the Scout Mountain and Mink Creek areas are encouraged to inform someone of their plans, carry communication devices where possible, and exercise caution on trails — especially after dark.
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