Post Falls car crash causes gas leak
A crash at the intersection of Highway 41 and Prairie Ave. has caused a temporary closure, according to Post Falls Police Department.
HAILEY HILL/Press
POST FALLS — A crash at Highway 41 and Prairie Avenue on Thursday afternoon resulted in a significant gas leak, prompting a temporary road closure and evacuations of area businesses, according to Idaho State Police and Avista.
One vehicle involved in a collision struck and damaged Avista-owned equipment, which then started leaking gas, said Avista Senior Communications Manager Jared Webley. The equipment has since been repaired and is back to normal operations, Webley said.
According to ISP, the driver of a Chevy Cruz failed to yield to southbound traffic on Highway 41 when making a left turn onto Prairie Avenue and was struck by a Toyota Highlander. The Chevy was blocking both southbound lanes, while the Toyota ran off the road and struck an Avista gas line, causing the leak.
Highway 41 and Prairie Avenue were temporarily shut down by ISP, PFPD, Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and the Idaho Transportation Department. Area businesses were evacuated until Avista shut off the gas line. All lanes were reopened by 12:43 p.m.
The crash is under investigation by ISP.