UDOT worker expected to survive after semi crash on I-80

SUMMIT COUNTY – A UDOT worker is rushed to the hospital after a semi crashed into his work truck while he was on I-80 doing bridge inspection work.

Investigators say the victim, Morgan McCarthey, was pulled over on the shoulder of westbound I-80 by Jeremy Ranch when a semi drifted into the shoulder.  “About a half of the width of the truck was into the emergency lane,” according to UHP Sergeant Todd Royce.   After the crash, the semi went down the embankment next to the Jeremy Ranch onramp.

The semi crashed into one of the work vehicles, which then was sent into McCarthey.  He was then thrown into another vehicle.  McCarthey had serious injuries to the bottom half of his body, and was taken to University Hospital.

The UHP is still investigating why the truck drifted.  Royce says they’re not sure if it was due to a mechanical problem, or if it was driver error.  He says, “They’re inspecting the truck.  They’re also inspecting travel logs to make sure that he’s not over on his hours, make sure that he wasn’t drowsy and make sure that he wasn’t distracted.

McCarthey has been working with UDOT for 12 years, and UDOT Spokesman John Gleason they’re begging drivers to be more cautious around work vehicles.  “We’re pleading with everybody to, please, stay alert.  When you see those flashing lights, when you see emergency vehicles, move over to the next lane if it’s safe, or, at the very least, slow down,” Gleason says.