County worker is killed in head-on crash

DOVER — A Bonner County Road and Bridge employee was killed early Friday morning after his vehicle crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 2 and crashed head-on into an oncoming pickup truck.

Idaho State Police say John E. Hanson, 61, of Colburn was westbound at about 7:50 a.m. on Highway 2 near the Carr Creek Road turnoff west of Dover, in a 2006 GMC county pickup when he crossed over the center line and hit a 2006 Dodge Durango driven by and eastbound Jennifer M. Gibson, 26, of Priest River head-on.

Following the crash, Hanson’s vehicle caught fire, sending flames shooting into the air. The accident blocked traffic on Highway 2 and closed the highway for about 3 1/2 hours.

Hanson was declared dead at the scene. Gibson, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint, where she was listed in fair condition.

It is unknown if Hanson was wearing a seat belt, according to ISP.

Bonner County Commissioner Lewis Rich said Hanson was en route to the Priest River shop at the time of the accident, following another employee who was returning a lowboy trailer to that facility.

It is unknown why the longtime employee, who has been with the county road department since around 1992, crossed the center line, Rich said.

Hanson had an unblemished personnel record and was part of a close-knit group of employees at the District 3 shop, Rich said.

“You get a tight bond between everyone at the district shops,” he said.

Hanson leaves behind a wife and grown children.

“Everyone was stunned by the news,” Rich said.