Freeway crash injures two

COEUR d'ALENE — Two women were injured during separate crashes at the same location on westbound Interstate 90 in Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday morning.

According to Idaho State Police, Toni L. Brown, 52, Athol, lost control of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner she was driving due to ice, struck a guard rail and the vehicle came to rest in the passing lane. The crash occurred at 5:19 a.m. near the Northwest Boulevard interchange.

The second crash occurred when Katherine A. Retano, 26, Coeur d'Alene, driving her 2002 Honda CRV, came upon the Toyota in the fog. Retano was unable to stop and struck the vehicle.

Retano was in fair condition at Kootenai Health on Tuesday afternoon. Brown was treated and released.

The westbound passing lane was blocked for about two hours.

Brown was wearing her seatbelt during the first crash, but had taken it off when the Honda struck.

Retano had an infant passenger who was in a child safety seat and not injured.

An investigation continues.