SOUTH SALT LAKE, UT – One life was claimed when a semi-truck driver sideswiped another semi-truck on I-80 amid a reduced lane scenario, causing one of the trailers to catch fire Monday.
This fatal wreck occurred on the westbound lanes along 1300 East after 9 p.m., according to Gephardt Daily.
The driver of the first semi-truck was approaching a closed lane and had to emerge over into the lane that was open. When the motorist did that, he or she struck several construction barrels and almost hit a Utah Highway Patrol cruiser, and then sideswiped another semi-truck. The initial semi-truck then traveled forward and collided with a 24-foot-long construction trailer “full of epoxy paint.”
The force of this sideswipe collision caused the second truck to jackknife, while the initial big rig cab caught on fire. When it became engulfed in flames, that driver succumbed to fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is unclear if the drivers from the other trucks were hurt. In addition, officials have not released the name of the deceased person at this time.
Updates will be posted when more information emerges.
At Swenson & Shelley PLLC, we understand the pain, heartache, and tragedy that follows a deadly semi-truck collision. If you lost a loved one to such a crash, our team of Utah truck accident lawyers wants to extend our condolences and, above all, help you pursue a wrongful death claim and fight for your right to maximum compensation. Reimbursement can aid with any lost income incurred from the collision, including funeral costs. We invite you to book a free, no-obligation case review online or by phone at (435) 265-4523.
