A semitractor-trailer rolled on Interstate 15 in Beaver County, Utah, Feb. 18, 2024 | Photo courtesy of the Utah Highway Patrol, St. George News
ST. GEORGE — Northbound travelers on Interstate 15 near Beaver were experiencing significant delays Sunday following separate afternoon crashes.
As of 8:30 p.m., traffic was moving slowly but was still backed up between mile markers 101 and 103 as UDOT webcams continued to show a lengthy line of vehicles extending south.
A semitractor-trailer rollover occurred around 4 p.m. near milepost 103, and UDOT expected the scene to be cleared at approximately 9 p.m. UDOT also was reporting a separate incident at mile marker 101 involving a vehicle that reportedly hit a cable barrier. UDOT estimated the scene to be cleared by 9:30 p.m.
The driver of a northbound semi found himself behind a car traveling about 40 miles per hour on a temporary spare tire. But the semi was moving too fast to brake, Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Battenfield said.
The truck driver pulled into the emergency lane to avoid a collision and reportedly was successful.
However, as he pulled back onto the roadway, the semi’s tires caught on the soft shoulder, and it rolled near mile marker 103 shortly before 4 p.m., “taking a Tesla with him — pushing a Tesla off the road,” Battenfield told Cedar City News.
The semi’s cargo, including Subway cookies, spilled onto the road’s edge and across the shoulder.
The semi’s driver was transported to the hospital as a precaution, but he sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Battenfield said.
One lane was open, and traffic was backed up for about 3-4 miles shortly after 6 p.m. by 8:30 p.m. traffic was continuing to flow but UDOT’s traffic map indicated travel was slow.
Updated 7:40 p.m., Feb. 18: Updates incident scene still active.
Updated 8:10 p.m. Feb. 18: Updates with changes of projected clearance times.
Updated 8:30 p.m., Feb. 18: Traffic flow improving through impacted areas.
This report is based on statements from first responders and law enforcement officials and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.
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