Rear-End Collision on U.S. Highway 30 Between Twin Falls and Kimberly, Idaho Closes Road for Five Hours
Crash on Highway 30 Spills Load of Potatoes, Blocks Intersection
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A rear-end collision on U.S. Highway 30 east of Twin Falls closed a portion of the roadway for approximately five hours Thursday morning after a load of potatoes spilled across an intersection, according to the Idaho State Police.
At around 10:15 a.m. Thursday, a 37-year-old Twin Falls man driving westbound in a Kenworth on Highway 30 collided with a westbound 2011 Western Star pulling a flatbed trailer, at 3300 East, Idaho State Police said. The impact caused the Kenworth to spill its load of potatoes into the intersection, completely blocking it.
The driver of the Kenworth was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The driver of the Western Star semi-trailer, a 61-year-old Rupert man who was hauling a farm tractor, was reportedly uninjured, according to the ISP. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The incident is a reminder of the heavy agricultural and commercial traffic that routinely moves along U.S. 30 through Magic Valley, a corridor critical to the region’s farming economy. Potato hauling is a common activity across Twin Falls County during key points of the agricultural season, and collisions involving loaded farm vehicles can create significant hazards and lengthy road closures.
For the latest on prior incidents along this stretch of highway, see our earlier coverage: U.S. 30 reopens after a two semi-truck crash near Kimberly.
Multiple Agencies Respond to Scene
The response to Thursday’s crash drew assistance from several local and county agencies. The Idaho State Police was supported at the scene by the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Kimberly Police Department, Twin Falls Fire Department, Magic Valley Paramedics, and the Idaho Transportation Department.
A photo provided by the Twin Falls Fire Department showed the scope of the intersection blockage caused by the spilled load. After the trucks were hauled away Thursday afternoon, utility workers were observed on scene working at the crash site, according to ISP.
The multi-agency response reflects the coordinated public safety infrastructure that Twin Falls County residents rely on when serious incidents occur along busy commercial corridors. Law enforcement and emergency personnel worked to clear the scene and restore traffic flow as efficiently as possible given the scale of the debris field.
No other vehicles were reported involved in the collision, and no additional injuries were reported at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing by the Idaho State Police.
Highway 30 Corridor Sees Regular Commercial Traffic
U.S. Highway 30 between Twin Falls and Kimberly is a frequently traveled route for both local commuters and commercial agricultural transport. The corridor handles a significant volume of farm-related freight, particularly during planting and harvest periods, making it one of the more active rural highways in Twin Falls County.
Incidents like Thursday’s collision can cause cascading delays for businesses, commuters, and agricultural operations alike. The Idaho Transportation Department, which assisted at Thursday’s scene, plays a key role in coordinating road clearance and infrastructure assessment following commercial vehicle crashes.
Drivers in the Magic Valley area are encouraged to monitor local traffic alerts and allow additional travel time when commercial vehicle incidents are reported along major highways. Twin Falls County law enforcement agencies regularly remind motorists to maintain safe following distances, particularly around large commercial trucks and farm equipment on rural roads.
For additional local public safety news and area crime updates, visit the Twin Falls County Most Wanted page. Statewide news can be found at Idaho News.
What Comes Next
The Idaho State Police investigation into the cause of Thursday’s collision is ongoing. Authorities have not announced whether any citations will be issued in connection with the crash. The highway has since reopened to traffic. Residents and commuters who regularly use U.S. 30 between Twin Falls and Kimberly should continue to monitor the Idaho Transportation Department for any additional lane restrictions or follow-up road work at the crash site.