• Minor injuries reported as multiple first responder units work together

A two-vehicle accident on US 89/26 resulted in pickup crashing through a guard rail and rolling into the Snake River on Monday afternoon. 

The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on June 29,  approximately six miles east of Alpine. 

According to information provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP), a Ford pickup was traveling southbound through Snake River Canyon when for unknown reasons, the vehicles veered left of center and sideswiped a semi that was traveling northbound. After the collision, the Ford went through the guardrail and rolled down the embankment and came to rest in the Snake River. 

“With the aid of Alpine Fire and the Star Valley Search and Rescue, they were able to get him out,” noted WHP Trooper Chad Ludwig.

The driver was reported to have sustained minor injuries and was transported for medical care where he was treated and released. 

Multiple entities were on scene to extricate the vehicle from the water, a process that snarled the busy roadway for several hours. 

New Equipment for a Regular Occurance

The Star Valley Search and Rescue (SVSAR) are no strangers to this type of rescue and responded to multiple water-related incidents last summer as well, including a similar call in the Snake River. Responses like this one highlight the gear and training necessary for an area that calls for many different skill sets. 

“When we received the call we were told a vehicle was in the water and over the edge,” replied SVSAR Commander Matt McMurdo. “Today we used a lot of our rope gear and equipment to repel over the retaining wall by Lunch Counter and our jet boat was sitting downstream of the vehicle in case something happened and they were washed out. “We then attached a cable from the town truck with a chain that was wrapped around the pillars of the truck cab and we were able to tow the vehicle out in a much safer way.”

Coincidentally, the primary fundraiser for SVSAR is the Ranch Rodeo which is scheduled for this Saturday in Afton. Equipment purchased from funds raised by this event and other donations were called into service on Monday. 

“The stuff we used [Monday] is brand new,” McMurdo noted. “We used a bunch of our fundraising money that was used on equipment that was used on today’s rescue.”

In addition, training on a regular basis was also a key factor in outcomes like this one. 

“The guys that were down there, were in dangerous water flows so we sent our best swift water guys who are up on their skills and attend training regularly and they did a dang good job,” McMurdo explained. “They did things in a way to make sure they were secure and limited the potential for any other injuries.”

McMurdo also added that the SVSAR is part of what is a multi-agency effort that responds in situation like this.  

“It was a good interagency response from us, Alpine Fire, Star Valley EMS, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office  and WHP,” he said. “It was great group effort that had a good outcome. This is our fifth call in the last four days. We had four in 24 hours last week. The busy season is here.”

The busy season also highlights how those in the area can help make a difference. By either volunteering to become a first responder or monetarily.  

“If they don’t feel like people can volunteer, donations are always nice,” McMurdo added. “The 4th of July is the Ranch Rodeo which provides us with a lot of funds to purchase this equipment. Our mail letter is coming out. So that is always an option if people choose.”