Semi crashes cause delays on Interstate 90

Three semis were involved in two separate crashes on Interstate 90 on Thursday afternoon, but no serious injuries were reported.

According to Idaho State Police, Kevon L. Polatis, 58, of Rexburg, Idaho, was westbound at Pleasantview Road in Post Falls at 4:40 p.m. in a 2003 Peterbilt with two trailers loaded with hay.

At the bottom of the off-ramp, Polatis lost control of the vehicle and it overturned. Polatis, who had minor injuries and was wearing his seat belt, was cited for careless driving. The road was blocked with delays for about four hours.

Another crash, involving two semis, happened at 12:17 p.m. in the eastbound lanes at the top of Fourth of July Pass.

According to ISP, Danut Mocanu, 49, of Seattle, who was hauling empty aircraft fuel tanks with a 2006 Volvo, attempted to pass a 2009 Kenworth that was hauling asphalt and driven by Michael A. Madsen, 57, of Athol.

Mocanu accelerated but was unable to pass due to traffic in the left lane. He was unable to slow down before rear-ending the asphalt truck.

Neither driver was injured.

The right lane of eastbound I-90 was completely blocked during the investigation and the left lane had partial blockage for about two hours.