Head-on collision on SR-18 leaves one dead, another in critical condition

Scene of a fatal head-on collision on state Route 18 near Brookside, Utah, Oct. 16, 2018 | Photo by Andrew Pinckney, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A two-vehicle accident on state Route 18 just north of Veyo this morning killed one driver and left another with extremely serious injuries.

Scene of a fatal head-on collision on state Route 18 near Brookside, Utah, Oct. 16, 2018 | Photo by Andrew Pinckney, St. George News

Just before 8 a.m., troopers from the Utah Highway Patrol responded to the scene of a head-on collision by mile marker 23 near Brookside.

A red Chevrolet S-10 was traveling northbound on SR-18 when for unknown reasons, the male driver suddenly crossed the center line into the southbound lane and into the path of a gray Pontiac passenger car, according to a statement from the Utah Department of Public Safety.

In an attempt to avoid the collision, the driver of the Pontiac, 24-year-old Wendy Pollock of Enterprise, veered left into the northbound lane at the same time the male driver attempted to correct and steer back into his own lane. The front of the S-10 struck the Pontiac on the front passenger side with the force of the impact directed toward the driver’s compartment of the car.

Pollock, who was wearing her seat belt, was killed on impact. Her body was turned over to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Intermountain Life Flight transported the driver of the S-10 to Dixie Regional Medical Center. He is currently in extremely critical condition, according to the DPS statement.

In addition to the UHP troopers, members from the Brookside, Central, Enterprise, Veyo and Dammeron Valley fire departments, Utah Department of Transportation and Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident and assisted with diverting traffic off the highway and through a nearby neighborhood while the accident was cleared.

Both vehicles were totaled and had to be towed from the scene.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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3 Comments

  • mmsandie October 16, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    She must hav3 been distracted. At least she had her seat belt on but head on is never good. Rte 18 doesn’t see too much traffic up there.. it’s sad

    • Real Life October 16, 2018 at 9:16 pm

      According to the article HE swerved into HER lane.

    • redrock4 October 17, 2018 at 2:33 pm

      Re-read the article. Then don’t post.

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