COKEVILLE — The town of Cokeville was forever changed Wednesday evening as nine teenagers were in a serious head-on collision east of Cokeville on Smiths Fork Road at about 9 p.m.

Following Celebration rehearsal at Cokeville High School, it’s common for the kids to go driving around town for fun.

That night, Wednesday, April 9, two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions on a blind curve and hit head-on. One of the kids in the accident was alert enough to dial 911 and went from door to door checking on his friends.

When emergency personnel arrived on scene, they found two vehicles that were so badly damaged that it was thought that no one should have been able to walk away. But everyone survived the crash. They were very shaken and some badly injured, but they are alive.

One had to be cut out of the vehicle. Some were taken to area hospitals. One was sent on LifeFlight to Primary Children’s Hospital and one was later flown from Bear Lake Memorial Hospital to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho.

These two still remain in the hospital where they are being treated for their injuries.

The others were either treated at the scene or treated and released from the hospital. Kids have reached out and checked on their friends and the healing has begun.

It was determined that neither vehicle was exceeding the speed limit. It will be a long road to recovery for all of these kids.

Some will recover from physical injuries and others from emotional injuries. The community has come together to support the kids and their families.

Cokeville will remember April 9, 2025, as the day a miracle happened where nine kids in a terrible accident survived! Thanks to the first responders and everyone on scene who helped in any way. Thanks to the community for coming together in support of these kids and their families.