Truck hits TRAX car, causes delays into next day

SALT LAKE CITY — A TRAX train was derailed Monday night when it was struck by a pickup truck running a red light.

UTA spokesperson Carl Arky said the truck driver hit the train broadside near the front of the first car.

“If he had come through that red light any sooner, he probably would have been t-boned and he might not have been able to walk away from that,” Arky said. “In fact, probably would not have walked away from that.”

The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported. The operator and single passenger on the train at the time were not injured.

Arky said the derailed train knocked out electrical wiring and a catenary pole holding it up, and that the extent of the damage will prevent UTA crews from moving the train until late Tuesday night. Crews will also work Tuesday on the power lines affected by the accident, which will close the railroad crossing at 10605 Grandville and the South Jordan Parkway. Drivers should avoid this area.

UTA riders will see minimal changes to their commute as the only affected TRAX stations are the South Jordan Parkway Station and Daybreak Parkway Station, the last two stations on the red line. UTA will transport passengers via bus bridge from the Daybreak Station to the Old Bingham Highway station at 5600 West for the duration of Tuesday service.