Five children were hospitalized Thursday morning after a car struck them near Ross Park in Pocatello, sending all five to Portneuf Medical Center in what authorities described as a serious but survivable crash.
The collision happened at approximately 11:50 a.m. at the intersection of Barton Road and South Fourth Avenue, not far from the park’s entrance. The children had been walking from a nearby school toward Ross Park when the accident occurred.
According to law enforcement, a car first collided with a compact SUV before losing control and striking the group of children. No one inside either vehicle was reported injured.
All Five Children Expected to Survive
All five children were transported to Portneuf Medical Center for treatment. Initial indications from police suggested that all five are expected to survive their injuries, though the full extent of those injuries was not immediately disclosed.
The intersection of Barton Road and South Fourth Avenue was temporarily closed following the crash and remained at least partially blocked as of 1 p.m. Thursday as crews worked the scene.
Multiple Agencies Responded
The response drew personnel from several agencies, including Idaho State Police, Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, search and rescue teams, and Idaho State University Public Safety. The multi-agency presence reflected the seriousness of the incident and the number of patients involved.
Both drivers involved cooperated fully with law enforcement. Authorities indicated that no criminal charges are being considered in connection with the crash, suggesting the collision is being treated as an accident rather than the result of reckless or impaired driving.
The area around Ross Park is a popular destination for schoolchildren and families, particularly as warmer weather draws more foot traffic to the park’s facilities and green space along Pocatello’s south side.
Pocatello residents may recall a similar vehicle incident in the region earlier this year, when a minivan struck a Blackfoot Walgreens building, prompting a brief closure of that location. Thursday’s crash is considerably more serious given the number of pedestrians involved.
What Comes Next
Investigators from Idaho State Police and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office are expected to continue examining the circumstances of the crash, including the sequence of events that led the car to strike the compact SUV before hitting the children. Families of the injured children have not been publicly identified. Updates on the children’s conditions are expected as they become available from Portneuf Medical Center. Residents near the Barton Road corridor should anticipate the possibility of continued law enforcement activity or lane restrictions as the investigation proceeds.