UHP: Truck driver “not totally focused on road” at time of fiery crash

A semi truck burst into flames after striking a guardrail in Utah Sunday morning. 

The crash occurred on October 20th at around 9:25 a.m on Interstate 15 in Washington City, Utah.

Utah Highway Patrol says that the semi truck hauling eggs was traveling on I-15 south near exit 16 when it struck the end of a guardrail. The big rig then slid approximately 200 feet before striking a concrete barrier and rupturing a passenger-side fuel tank, causing the underside of the rig to catch fire.

The unidentified truck driver was able to escape the wreck on their own and was treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported.

Firefighters battled the flames for 40 minutes before extinguishing the blaze. 

The incident is still under investigation, but authorities say they believe the truck driver was distracted at the time of the wreck. 

“At this point, it appears the driver was not totally focused on the road when this happened,” said Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Pastor told St. George News.