TRAFFIC

UDOT truck veers into Big Cottonwood Canyon canal, no water contamination suspected

Mar 20, 2023, 10:19 AM | Updated: 4:41 pm

truck crash big cottonwood canyon...

The scene of the crash is pictured on March 20, 2023. Lindsay Aerts/KSL NewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah Department of Transportation truck veered into a canal in Big Cottonwood Canyon Monday morning, but authorities say it caused no threat to the drinking water.

Breaking down the situation:

 

The Unified Fire Department said it responded to a utility truck crash around 9:45 a.m. Monday.

The truck was a UDOT mechanic truck headed up the canyon to do work when it left the road, crashed through a fence and came to rest perched in the canal. It landed just below a dam where water treatment begins.

“If it would have been above that dam there maybe would have been some water quality concerns from leakage from that vehicle,” said Big Cottonwood Canyon Water Treatment Manager Russ Rank. “But because it was below that dam area no water came into the plant.”

No injuries were reported. According to Rank, the driver of the truck was able to pull himself out. Rank was one of the first to see the crash after hearing it first from his office.

“I heard a large crash, thumping sound, the building shook a little bit,” Rank said. “I went outside I saw smoke coming from the creek channel.”

Rank also said when he got outside the driver was conscious.

UFD said the truck leaked differential fluid, but that crews had cleaned up and contained the leak.

Hazmat crews were there to make sure no car fluids flowed into the nearby creek.

Truck lifted from canal

Later, the truck was hoisted from the canal. A crane was called in and KSL NewsRadio witnessed Rocky Mountain Power on the scene to monitor nearby power lines. 

It’s not known why the driver veered off the road.  UDOT said they will work with the police who will continue to investigate. 

“At this time we’re just thankful that our employee is okay,” said spokesman John Gleason. “It could have turned out a lot differently.” 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Traffic

The Utah Department of Public Safety said the San Juan County crash happened around 8:30 p.m. The a...

Simone Seikaly

Driver arrested after double fatal crash in San Juan County

Two people died after a car crash on SR 163 in San Juan County on Monday.

2 days ago

A UHP vehicle show, ogden canyon road is closed...

Simone Seikaly

Ogden Canyon closed after car crash sends barriers into river

The Utah Highway Patrol reported that the accident happened around 2 p.m. on SR 39 in Ogden Canyon, about four miles east of Ogden.

2 days ago

Wintery weather crashes...

Adam Small

Wintery weekend weather caused crashes in the triple-digits

Wintery weather over the weekend caused crashes in the triple-digits throughout the state according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

3 days ago

The westbound lanes of I-215 will be closed between 280 East exit and the I-15 interchange while cr...

KSL NewsRadio

I-215 westbound in Murray to close Friday evening

The westbound lanes of Interstate 215 will close over the weekend as crews work on the 300 West bridge above it.

7 days ago

According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, one-third of deaths on the road are due to the l...

Emma Keddington

Utah Department of Public Safety to crack down on seat belt enforcement

The Utah Department of Public Safety is cracking down on seat belt enforcement statewide from March 22 to March 25.

7 days ago

The Utah Department of Transporation has received a $87.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of...

Logan Stefanich

St. George looking to connect communities through federal grant

The Utah Department of Transportation has received a $87.6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the construction of street crossings in St. George.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

UDOT truck veers into Big Cottonwood Canyon canal, no water contamination suspected