A memorial motorcycle ride turned into a massive emergency scene on an Idaho interstate after a crash involving 25 motorcycles and seven other vehicles sent approximately 15 people to hospitals.
The pileup unfolded shortly after noon Saturday, Oct. 3, on westbound Interstate 84 in Canyon County, near Caldwell, according to Idaho State Police.
Troopers said a large group of motorcycles was traveling west as part of a memorial ride when the crash occurred around 12:19 p.m. near milepost 28.
Exactly what triggered the collision remains unclear.
The wreck left motorcycles and other vehicles scattered across the westbound lanes and prompted a major response involving police, paramedics, firefighters and transportation crews.
In all, Idaho State Police said 25 motorcycles and seven other vehicles were involved.
Approximately 15 people were taken to local hospitals by air ambulance, ground ambulance and private vehicles. Authorities have not released the identities of those injured or provided details about the severity of their injuries.
The size of the crash forced authorities to completely shut down the westbound side of I-84 for roughly four hours while emergency crews treated the injured, cleared wreckage and investigators documented the scene.
Traffic was diverted off the interstate around Caldwell, with motorists directed from Exit 29 onto U.S. 20/26 before being allowed to return to westbound I-84 near Exit 27.
Caldwell Police warned drivers at the time that the shutdown could be lengthy because investigators needed access to the crash scene.
The emergency response stretched across several agencies. Idaho State Police received assistance from the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Canyon County Paramedics, Caldwell Fire Department, Nampa Fire Department, Homedale Fire Department, Wilder Fire Department and the Idaho Transportation Department.
The motorcycle group was participating in what police described only as a “Memorial Ride.” Authorities have not publicly identified the person being honored in their official account of the crash.
A fundraiser subsequently organized by Brother Speed said the riders had gathered to remember a fellow rider known as “Big Keith.” The fundraiser was established to help injured riders with medical expenses, rehabilitation, housing and other costs following the wreck.
Despite the extraordinary number of motorcycles and vehicles involved, Idaho State Police had not announced any deaths in connection with the crash as of Tuesday.
Investigators also have not said whether speed, traffic conditions, a mechanical problem or the actions of any particular driver contributed to the pileup.
That means claims circulating online about what may have caused the crash remain unconfirmed.
Idaho State Police said the investigation is continuing, and additional details could be released once investigators determine how the chain of collisions began.
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