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SALT LAKE CITY — One person is dead after a multi-vehicle crash on I-80 that resulted in a fire Thursday evening, police said.
Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Cam Roden said the crash occurred in the westbound lanes of the freeway, west of 7200 West. Westbound traffic on I-80 is closed, with travelers required to exit prior to 7200 West, he said.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said traffic on the freeway was slowing down due to two separate crashes further west.
At 7200 West, a pickup rear-ended a car, causing both to catch fire. Three other vehicles were impacted in a "chain-reaction style crash caused by the initial impact," said the release.
🚨Closure - WB I-80 at MP 111 (7200 W) remains closed due to a vehicle fire. All WB traffic is being detoured onto the 7200 W ramp. Use Frontage Rd as an alternate. pic.twitter.com/XRc8AYc8MX
— UDOT Traffic (@UDOTTRAFFIC) January 17, 2025
The driver of the car that was initially hit, a 47-year-old Tooele man, was killed, and the driver of the pickup, a 33-year-old man, was taken to a hospital with "serious injuries."
Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Chamberlin Neff said investigators were looking into whether distracted driving or impairment played a role in the crash.
The estimated opening time for the roadway is 10 p.m., Neff said.
The identities of those involved in the crash were not immediately released.
This story will be updated.
Contributing: Daniel Woodruff
