ST. GEORGE — Around 1 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, motorists heading south on Interstate 15 reported a white Honda Accord swerving in the roadway before seeing it strike the back of a semitractor-trailer and then crash into the barrier wall.
Sgt. Joe Pastor with the Utah Highway Patrol said troopers were dispatched within minutes, converging at the scene of the crash between the Dixie Drive and Brigham Road exits near mile marker 5.
“The vehicle was driven by a 70-year-old female who sustained a fractured arm as a result of the crash,” Pastor said. “Airbags deployed, and the driver was wearing her seatbelt. Right now it’s still under investigation, with a possible medical issue the driver suffered as a contributing factor to the crash.”
The driver of the semi had no reported injuries, but he did pull over after the collision and gave a statement to law enforcement, Pastor said.
Meanwhile, paramedics with Gold Cross Ambulance arrived to treat the woman’s injuries and transport her to St. George Regional Hospital.
Incident management personnel with the Utah Department of Transportation closed the right shoulder and outside lane for emergency vehicle access. Paramedics, UHP troopers and firefighters with the St. George Fire Department removed debris and took witness statements.
Cars entering the freeway from Dixie Drive had to merge into two lanes along with other drivers already heading south, slowing traffic to a crawl for about half an hour. The scene was cleared by about 1:50 p.m., allowing traffic to resume through all three lanes at that point on I-15.
No citation has been issued at this time pending further investigation, Pastor said. In the meantime, he cautioned motorists to take their time and always drive defensively to avoid similar incidents.
“You just never know when an accident is going to happen – that’s why you always have to be aware of your surroundings, other traffic around you and hazards or other other obstacles that could be in the road,” Pastor said. “Watch your speed and always wear your seatbelt.”
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