Five Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle Crash and Fire at Minidoka County Intersection
A midday collision at a rural southern Idaho intersection sent five people to area hospitals Monday after one of the vehicles caught fire and flames spread to the second vehicle and surrounding grass.
Idaho State Police are investigating the two-vehicle crash, which occurred at approximately 1:12 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the intersection of 1150 W and 300 N in Minidoka County, near the community of Paul.
What Happened at the Intersection
A 38-year-old Rupert man was driving eastbound on 300 N in a 2002 Honda CR-V when he disregarded a stop sign at the intersection. A 23-year-old Paul woman, heading northbound on 1150 W in a 2025 Jeep Compass, struck the Honda in an angular collision. The force of the impact left the Jeep on its passenger side, where it ignited. Fire then extended to the Honda CR-V and the grass in the surrounding area.
Despite the severity of the crash and subsequent fire, all occupants were able to exit both vehicles before the situation worsened. Idaho State Police confirmed that all individuals in the Jeep were wearing seat-belts or proper restraints, as was the Honda’s driver.
Injuries and Emergency Response
The Rupert man was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital. The young woman driving the Jeep was airlifted by medical helicopter to a hospital. Two juvenile passengers from the Jeep were also transported by air ambulance to regional medical facilities, while a third juvenile from the same vehicle was taken by ground ambulance.
The response drew resources from multiple agencies. West End Fire and QRU, Minidoka Memorial Emergency units, LifeFlight, Classic Air Ambulance, and Air St. Luke’s all responded to the scene, along with the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash remains under active investigation by Idaho State Police District 4, which covers Southern Idaho including Minidoka County. Public safety incidents like this one — and others involving fires — continue to challenge emergency response networks across the region. Earlier this month, fire crews were called to a large structure fire that prompted an RV park evacuation near the Thornton Exit, and a blaze at a Wilson office building required an early morning response from local departments.
What Comes Next
Idaho State Police have not released a timeline for completing the investigation or indicated whether any citations or charges are anticipated in connection with the failure to obey the posted stop sign. Additional findings from the investigation may be released through ISP’s District 4 headquarters in Jerome. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Idaho State Police at (208) 324-6000.