2 semi-trucks involved in I-15 rollover crash; northbound lanes closed near Nephi
NEPHI, Utah (KUTV) — Traffic on I-15 in Juab County was brought to a halt Wednesday after two semi trucks crashed and rolled, blocking all northbound lanes.
The incident happened near Nephi just before noon following a historic winter storm that was impacting nearly all of Utah.
The Utah Highway Patrol closed the roadway at mile post 222, and traffic was being diverted through town.
A trucker who was outside his rig "ran for his life" during the crash after another semi truck driver took “evasive action” to avoid hitting him.
The road was slick, and the driver who swerved to miss the trucker ended up crashing into a box truck.
“It caused the box truck to spin and roll over,” said UHP Lt. Scott Robertson, adding the trailer of the semi that collided with it “broke in half.”
Perry Allred, with a towing and recovery company, had a crew respond to the crash, and spoke with the semi drivers.
“It was pretty rough this morning,” he said. “The wind was blowing, a lot of snow...hard to see, blinding snow.”
The winter weather that happened Feb. 21 - 22 left roadways snow-packed and icy, causing traffic issues along the I-15 and I-80 corridors. Multiple major roadways were closed throughout the morning, spanning the entire state. I-80 through Evanston, Wyoming, remained shut down Wednesday afternoon as the area experienced blizzard conditions.
UHP stated I-15 could remain closed until about 2 p.m. for cleanup.
