Wrong-way driver reaches high speeds on I-15, hospitalizes 3
Feb 16, 2025, 9:36 AM | Updated: Feb 19, 2025, 10:34 pm
FILE — The logo of the Utah Highway Patrol (KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY – A wrong-way driver crashed into oncoming traffic on Interstate 15 near Beaver Sunday, hospitalizing three and closing both directions of the Interstate.
At approximately 2:16 a.m., a 2006 Cadillac was heading northbound in southbound lanes of I-15, according to a release from the Department of Public Safety.
“A trooper was in position to actively respond and attempted to intervene with the wrong-way driver,” the release said.
Near mile marker 88.5 northbound, the trooper reportedly attempted to stop the Cadillac driver when they accelerated to 90 mph, and swerved toward the trooper. DPS reported the trooper attempted a PIT maneuver, but the driver swerved to avoid it and continued traveling against traffic.
The Cadillac was then traveling “approximately 115-120 mph before slowing back down the 90 mph,” according to DPS.
At this high speed, the Cadillac reportedly swerved and crashed into a 2024 Freightliner semitruck near milemarker 98. Then, DPS said the Cadillac spun into the median and rolled.
“The Freightliner subsequently crossed the median into the northbound travel lanes and came to a stop,” according to DPS.
A 2014 Toyota then struck the trailer of the Freightliner semitruck that crossed the median, DPS said, then a 2011 Freighliner traveling northbound collided with the trailer of the first semitruck, “splitting it in half.”
DPS said the second Freightliner then hit the back of the Toyota, and said that two female occupants were inside the Toyota and were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
A vehicle involved with the wrong-way crash on I-15 on Sunday. (Utah Highway Patrol)
According to the release, the driver of the wrong-way Cadillac was trapped inside and had to be extricated. The Cadillac driver was then taken to a hospital by a medical helicopter in critical condition, DPS said.
There were no other reported injuries.
DPS reported traffic was significantly impacted, as the collisions caused northbound and southbound lanes of I-15 to be closed for “over two hours.”
This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.
Read the full story at KSLTV.com
Related:
Suspected wrong-way driver causes 5-vehicle crash on I-15 in Lehi
