Two motorists killed after colliding with overturned semi truck, Utah Highway Patrol says

The Utah Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal collision involving an overturned semi truck that occurred early Thursday morning.

The crash occurred around 1:20 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, near Payson, Utah.

Troopers say that a white Freightliner hauling a single unit trailer was traveling north on I-15 at mile marker 248. The semi truck drifted off the interstate to the left. The truck driver overcorrected, veering right, and lost control.

The semi truck rolled over onto the driver’s side, coming to a stop blocking two lanes of northbound I-15.

The truck driver sustained minor injuries but was not hospitalized.

“A short time later, a red Honda Civic was also northbound and did not notice the overturned semi. It collided with the trailer of the Freightliner that was blocking the northbound lanes. The driver, and front seat passenger of the Honda both sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The back seat passenger of the Honda was transported to an area hospital in critical condition,” the Utah Highway Patrol said.

“I-15 northbound was closed from the time of the crash and traffic was diverted off exit 244. The semi trailer was compromised causing a minor spill of the contents. It appears to be hauling plastic crates or shelving. Cleanup and investigation is estimated to take 2 or 3 more hours,” officials said.

The crash is under investigation.

Now @UTHighwayPatrol investigating a fatal accident on Northbound I-15 near Payson @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/Fybjqonfwv

— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) January 4, 2024