CEDAR CITY — Three people were injured in a head-on collision between two off-highway vehicles on an ATV trail near Cedar Breaks National Monument early Saturday evening.
The incident was reported at approximately 5 p.m. on a trail in the Tippetts Valley area, southeast of Brian Head. The two side-by-side UTVs involved each had a male driver plus two passengers, according to Iron County Sheriff’s Office.
Lt. Jeff Humphries said the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions on the two-track trail, which he described as being “saturated with water and very muddy.”
“Both vehicles took a blind curve at approximately 40 miles an hour and were unable to stop due to conditions,” Humphries told Cedar City News.
“All three occupants of the northbound vehicle were injured,” Humphries added. “The male driver’s head impacted on the windshield, causing a serious laceration.”
The injured driver, who is reportedly in his mid-20s, was transported via Intermountain Life Flight helicopter to St. George Regional Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, both of the vehicle’s female passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported by Gold Cross Ambulance to Cedar City Hospital, Humphries added.
None of the three occupants of the second vehicle reported any injuries, Humphries said. However, its driver was confirmed to have been driving under the influence, he said.
“The DUI was not a contribution to the accident,” Humphries added.
Both of the side-by-sides sustained heavy front-end damage and were inoperable following the crash.
Nobody in either vehicle was wearing a helmet, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The two groups were in separate parties and were strangers to each other, Humphries added.
Brian Head Town Marshal’s Office also responded to the incident and provided assistance at the scene.
This report is based on information provided by law enforcement and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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