Man injured in slide-off accident on I-84

Friday morning's snowstorm created treacherous driving conditions throughout the county, with law enforcement officials swamped with calls concerning slide-offs and accidents.

One person who got out of their car to help push a stuck vehicle was struck by another car on the interstate at milepost 78 and "smashed" between the two vehicles, suffering "critical injuries", according to police scanner reports. A passing doctor and EMT stopped to help a few minutes later.

Idaho State Police said the accident occurred just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, when Benjamin Lopez, 35, of Nampa, was traveling westbound on I-84, driving a white Honda Civic and slid off the road. His two passengers got out of the vehicle to push it back onto the road.

At the same time, Glen Eis, 37, of Mountain Home, was heading westbound on Interstate 84, driving a blue Chevrolet Blazer, which also slid off at the same location, striking the Honda Civic and passenger Corneio Espino-Soltero, 41, of Nampa.

Interstate 84 was blocked and traffic was slowed down to allow LifeFlight to land but but the road is now clear. Espino-Soltero was flown from the scene to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. His actual condition and the extent of his injuries were not immediately available. The interstate was shut down for several miles on either side of milepost 78 while the helicopter was on scene.

All parties were wearing their seatbelts and winter weather conditions appear to be a factor. No charges have been filed at this time.

Authorities are encouraging anyone venturing out on to the roads to drive slowly, as road conditions are extremely slick and dangerous throughout the area. Those conditions are expected to continue throughout the week.

The crash is under investigation by Corporal Thompson.