Driver accelerates, loses control of vehicle, ends up in Virgin River

WASHINGTON COUNTY – A vehicle crashed into the Virgin River Sunday afternoon after losing control on state Route 9 near the town of Virgin.

The driver of a Ford Mustang lost control of his vehicle while traveling on state Route 9 near milepost 24 and crashed into the Virgin River, Washington County, Utah, Dec. 20, 2015 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News
The driver of a Ford Mustang lost control of his vehicle while traveling on state Route 9 near milepost 24 and crashed into the Virgin River, Washington County, Utah, Dec. 20, 2015 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News

The white Ford Mustang was traveling west on SR-9 between milepost 23 and 24 around 4:35 p.m. when it accelerated and lost control and crossed the highway, smashing through a fence and down an embankment and into the river.

The driver was able to exit the Mustang and was standing on top of the vehicle when emergency personnel arrived at the scene, Springdale Police Officer Trent Feltner said.

The driver of the Mustang was coming around the corner near milepost 24 when he accelerated due to a vehicle following closely behind, Feltner said, and lost control.

The vehicle tore a large path through the brush before launching off a steep bank and into the river, Feltner said, adding that the driver of the Mustang was travelling around 55 mph when he lost control.

The driver of a Ford Mustang lost control of his vehicle while traveling on state Route 9 near milepost 24 and crashed into the Virgin River, Washington County, Utah, Dec. 20, 2015 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News
The driver of a Ford Mustang lost control of his vehicle while traveling on state Route 9 near milepost 24 and crashed into the Virgin River, Washington County, Utah, Dec. 20, 2015 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News

Airbags deployed in the vehicle and no injuries were reported as a result of the crash, Feltner said.

The Mustang was towed from the scene.

As this report is published, the crash remains under investigation, Feltner said, and no citations had been issued.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.

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9 Comments

  • Lastdays December 20, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    Well I’ll show this guy tailgating me who’s boss. I’ll just drive into the river. It worked. They’re not following me any more. Sheeeesh

  • .... December 20, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !

  • ladybugavenger December 20, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    That’s a good place for a Ford. Seriously tho, put a jacket on its cold out there!

    • .... December 21, 2015 at 4:32 am

      go go Gadget life raft !

    • .... December 21, 2015 at 4:33 am

      Ford driver lives matter !

  • 42214 December 20, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    Southern Utah, home of the incompetent driver.

  • yeawell December 21, 2015 at 12:16 am

    55 mph in a 65, In a mustang … Thanks for pulling over. Enjoy your bath!

  • Terry December 21, 2015 at 6:27 am

    Yep, if someone’s on your a..* drivin. Never slow down course if you do you’ll make them Happy???????????. This town could use a Big Slow Down?✌?️
    *Ed. ellipses

  • Terry December 21, 2015 at 6:29 am

    Hey Don Gilman, my siding only cost $500.00 I’ll take Payments, two of them??

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