I-84’S FIERY CRASH CLAIMS BOISE WOMAN’S LIFE

The nine vehicle pile-up that resulted in debris, fire, and chaos on I-84 around 5 Mile in Meridian last week was probably one of the worst accidents I can remember here in the Boise area. The videos and pictures spoke more than a thousand words. All of Idaho sat back just hoping and praying for the safety of all those involved.

Photo: Logan Schenk/KTVB

The accident took place last Tuesday around 7:30 a.m. Here’s exactly what happened according to the Boise Police Department and KTVB Channel 7.

“Emergency responders were dispatched last Tuesday around 7:30 a.m. to a report of a multi-vehicle crash including a semi-truck on fire on near the Cloverdale overpass.

When state police arrived, they found a semi hauling 65,000 pounds of lumber on fire in the median. Debris and wreckage from the crash was strewn across lanes in each direction, causing major backups that lasted throughout the day.

Investigators say the incident began in the eastbound lanes when the driver of a red Toyota Tacoma pickup made a sudden lane change and hit the semi that was loaded with lumber. The semi sideswiped an eastbound passenger vehicle before crashing into the concrete median, catching fire and striking a westbound semi that jack-knifed.

Investigators believe that flying debris from one of the semis hit the roof of a westbound Toyota Camry. The impact knocked the female driver unconscious. Her car was located about a half-mile past the crash scene in a westbound lane.”

That female driver was 27-year-old Julia Goodwin of Boise, Idaho. Julia was rushed to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center where she battled for her life for four straight days. Julia, unfortunately, lost that battle. As of now, we can only think and pray for her dear friends and family who are trying to make sense of what happened. Why? How? What is this??

Many of us sat in the backed-up traffic on I-84 that day. I know I did. And all I could think was, “I hope everyone’s o.k.” Deep down we all knew that it would be next to impossible for that to be true.

I am grateful that so many made it out alive and safe. I really am. I don’t know how more people weren’t affected and for that I’m grateful. But my heart aches and hurts for this young woman’s family. I can’t imagine what they’re feeling and I’m so, so sorry. Know that I, along with many others are thinking of you today. God bless you!