Head-on collision results in fatality

RATHDRUM — A 31-year-old Arizona man died as a result of a head-on collision on Highway 53 east of Rathdrum on Wednesday night.

Zebulon R. Hegel of Mesa was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Idaho State Police. It is unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt.

A silver 2003 Infiniti driven by Hegel was eastbound at 9:08 p.m. near milepost 13 at Knudson Street when it crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, according to ISP.

A white 2017 International Prostar semi with a box trailer driven by Greg J. Johnson, 55, Grassy Lake, Alberta, was westbound when it collided with the Infiniti. Johnson, who was wearing a seatbelt, was treated and released at Kootenai Health.

A parked unoccupied 2007 Volvo flatbed semi was also struck as a result of the collision.

The Infiniti became engulfed in flames upon impact with the International Prostar.

The roadway was blocked for four hours during the investigation.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Rathdrum Police and the Idaho Transportation Department assisted.