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SALT LAKE CITY — A fatal crash on U.S. 40 killed two people and closed the road in both directions for a time Friday afternoon near the Soldier Creek Campground Road in Wasatch County.
All lanes of the highways were initially closed in both directions, but troopers opened one lane to alternating traffic as of 7:30 p.m.
A 37-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were killed in the collision, and a 21-year-old woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition, according to troopers. The 37-year-old man was traveling east in a Dodge pickup truck when he lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic. He was struck by a Honda Accord, which was driven by the 21-year-old man.
The names of those who were killed have not been released.
The Utah Highway Patrol said statewide, troopers responded to 100 crashes as of midday Friday, most in Utah County.
"(It's) about average of what we see this time of year, it's the first big storm that we've had so people really need to shake off the rust with winter driving," said Cpl. Quincy Breur with UHP.
Breur stated that speed and lack of proper maintenance for some vehicles is to blame for most of the crashes.
"(Speed) is probably the biggest one," he said. "They're going too fast for the conditions of the road."
Breur urging drivers to switch out their tires if they haven't already, have good windshield wipers, and be cautious.
Weather advisories
Agencies around the state posted weather warnings Friday and National Weather Service Salt Lake City has posted an extended snow advisory for Weber Canyon and the area around Cedar City, all following multiple crashes caused by winter conditions.
The weather service added another advisory Friday afternoon for the San Rafael Swell south of Price. The advisory is active through Saturday morning; drivers are encouraged to be cautious of winter weather along I-70.
A new Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the San Rafael Swell through early Saturday morning. Expect winter driving conditions along I-70. #UTwxpic.twitter.com/XqREAuf9UH
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) November 24, 2023
A two-car head-on collision was reported by the Garland Fire Department early Friday on Highway 30. Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, Utah Highway Patrol reported.
Near the head-on collision was a three-car crash with unknown injuries.
Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Cameron Roden said Highway 30 was closed for a time while snow plows worked their way through to clear the road. The Garland Fire Department said both crashes were due to icy conditions.
Utah Department of Transportation reported a rollover crash near Wasatch Resort on S.R. 210 in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The crash resulted in the Unified Police Department restricting travel through the canyon while the crash was cleared.
S.R. 190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon was also reported to have multiple crashes on the route, citing slick conditions.
Sandy and Dugway Police Departments have both posted warnings to be careful on the roads, as the first snowfall of winter in the Wasatch Valley can be dangerous.
Following the crashes in the Cottonwood canyons, Utah Department of Transportation lifted the traction law at 12:12 p.m. on Friday.
