Uber passenger killed after crash with TRAX train in downtown SLC
Sep 14, 2022, 10:02 AM | Updated: 1:58 pm
FILE: Salt Lake City police on the scene of a fatal crash between an Uber car and TRAX train. The passenger in the Uber car was killed. (Jeffery D. Allred)
(Jeffery D. Allred)
SALT LAKE CITY — A passenger in an Uber car was killed Wednesday morning after the car crashed into a TRAX train at 700 S. and West Temple in Salt Lake City.
The train was moving eastbound through the intersection when police said the southbound Uber car, moving at approximately 40 mph, ran a red light.
UTA Spokesman James Larson said the back end of the car clipped the front end of the TRAX train.
Larson said that people who witnessed the accident tried to save the passenger, but they were not successful. The driver was not seriously injured.
An accident investigation team with Salt Lake City Police is on the scene, and the intersection will be closed for up to five hours.
In the meantime, UTA is operating a bus bridge between the Courthouse and Ballpark TRAX stations.
#TRAX Update 9:22 AM: Expect systemwide delays on the Blue, Green and Red Lines for an unknown duration. Bus bridge will remain in place between Courthouse and Ballpark Stations. Thank you for your patience.
— Utah Transit Authority – UTA (@RideUTA) September 14, 2022
Is Uber liable?
The driver of the Uber vehicle that hit the TRAX train reportedly ran a red light driving 40 mph before his car was hit by the train.
And while it’s still early in the investigation, KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas said that if the allegations are true, and the Salt Lake County District Attorney decided to prosecute, they could have a case.
“The driver could potentially face a misdemeanor reckless driving or a misdemeanor negligent homicide charge,” Skordas said.
Skordas said that civil charges could also be filed.
“If in fact the driver did run a red light and blow through a train crossing, and that caused the death of his or her passenger, that driver would absolutely be civilly responsible.”
Salt Lake City Police say the driver has been cooperating with their investigation.
Other reading:
- TRAX resumes regular schedules after crash near Vivint Arena
- Suspicious package near TRAX lines cleared
- UTA announces the new 600 South TRAX Station opening
