Fatal Crash on Railroad Grade Road
Two Potlatch residents died Friday night when their side-by-side utility terrain vehicle rolled down an embankment and into the St. Joe River near St. Maries, Idaho State Police reported.
The crash occurred around 9:25 p.m. Friday in the 9000 block of Railroad Grade Road east of St. Maries. The driver, a 52-year-old man, and his passenger, a 51-year-old woman, were traveling in a 2023 Can-Am Maverick Sport when the vehicle left the roadway and tumbled into the river.
Neither occupant was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Idaho State Police have notified the victims’ next of kin but have not released their names publicly.
Emergency Response and Road Closure
Multiple agencies responded to the crash site Friday night. Idaho State Police led the investigation, with assistance from the Benewah County Sheriff’s Office and Benewah County Emergency Medical Services.
Railroad Grade Road was blocked for approximately four and a half hours following the crash to allow emergency crews to work the scene and conduct their investigation. The roadway has since reopened to traffic.
UTV Safety Concerns
The fatal crash highlights ongoing safety concerns with recreational off-road vehicles in Idaho’s rural areas. Side-by-side UTVs have become increasingly popular for both recreation and utility purposes in the state’s mountainous and rural terrain.
While Idaho law does not require seat belt use in UTVs on all terrain, safety advocates consistently emphasize the importance of wearing restraints in these vehicles. Rollover accidents remain one of the most common causes of serious injury and death in UTV crashes.
The St. Joe River area east of St. Maries is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including off-road vehicle use. Railroad Grade Road provides access to national forest lands and camping areas along the river corridor.
What Comes Next
Idaho State Police continue to investigate the circumstances that caused the UTV to leave the roadway. Investigators will examine factors including speed, road conditions, and mechanical issues as part of their standard crash reconstruction process.
The investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as the inquiry progresses. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Idaho State Police.