UTA worker fatally injured, one seriously injured in hit-and-run in Murray

MURRAY — Two rail maintenance workers were seriously injured in Murray early Thursday morning when an SUV hit them as they exited their rail car, an official with the Utah Transit Authority said. One of the workers later died from injuries, according to the UTA.

On Sunday, the UTA confirmed the identity of the killed worker in a Facebook post.

“We are deeply saddened to share the loss of our colleague, Juan Madrid, a dedicated and beloved rail maintenance worker,” the post said. “Juan passed away from injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle while he was performing work in a rail crossing on April 24.”

UTA information officer Gavin Gustafson said the incident happened at approximately 1:30 a.m. at 5900 South 360 West.

According to UTA officials, the workers were lifting the tires on their Hi-Rail Service Truck when a white SUV entered the crossing at a high rate of speed, striking two of the four employees assigned to the truck.

Gustafson described the event.

“The other two were in the vehicle and saw a white SUV coming through at a high rate of speed, too fast for, unfortunately, the two that were outside of the truck to react, and they were struck by this white SUV.”

Gustafson said the two other UTA employees that were in the truck were not injured and rushed to provide first aid until emergency responders arrived.

“They were both transported to the hospital, one in serious condition and the other in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, he was immediately rushed into surgery and, is recovering,” he said.

Initial reports from the uninjured UTA employees indicated the driver fled the scene on foot, leaving the damaged SUV behind. Murray Police have since confirmed that the individual has surrendered and is being interviewed.

UTA officials emphasized the importance of driver awareness

It’s unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, or if the vehicle was stolen – that’s something Murray Police are continuing to investigate. In the meantime, UTA is pleading with drivers to keep their employees safe while they are working at crossings.

“Really, what we need is for drivers to take their responsibility as a driver more seriously. The most common incident we have is distracted driving. Whether it’s, you know, illegal left turns on Main Street and the fender benders to something to this degree where, you know, somebody nearly lost their life.”

UTA confirmed that the maintenance vehicle had its work lights, flashers and strobe lights activated at the time of the incident. The injured employees were also wearing high-visibility gear.

This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.