ST. GEORGE — Police are emphasizing the importance of seatbelts after witnesses report an unidentified reckless driver who fled from the scene while causing a two-vehicle crash.
Patrol Sgt. Joe Pastor with the Utah Highway Patrol said at about 7:45 Tuesday morning troopers were dispatched to a roll-over accident on the southbound Interstate 15 exit 16 on-ramp.
The crash involved a 2022 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 21-year-old and a 2019 Toyota 4Runner with a 33-year-old driver.
“A third vehicle is possibly involved but didn’t stay at the scene,” Pastor said.
The 4runner was traveling in the left lane. Witnesses report that the third vehicle was driving recklessly, causing the Tacoma to take evasive action to the left, where it struck the left rear of the 4Runner, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to go off the right shoulder. After the impact, the Tacoma went into the median side, where it rolled and came to rest on the left shoulder.
Both drivers were checked at the scene by Hurricane Valley Fire and EMS and reported no injuries. No citations were issued.
“All drivers were wearing seatbelts,” Pastor said. “And we’re still trying to locate the third uninvolved vehicle.”
The uninvolved vehicle has been reported as a yellow four-passenger vehicle, possibly a Ford Fusion.
“Always be aware of your speeds, the traffic that’s on the roadway, as well as other hazards,” Pastor said. “Drive defensively and wear your seatbelt. In this accident, the drivers were wearing their seatbelts and the vehicle rolled and he didn’t sustain any injuries from it.”
This report is based on statements from police and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Photo Gallery
A vehicle involved in a rollover crash on Interstate 15 Tuesday morning sits on the side of the roadway in Hurricane, Utah on Feb. 28, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Patrol Sgt. Joe Pastor, St. George News
A vehicle involved in a rollover crash on Interstate 15 Tuesday morning sits on the side of the roadway in Hurricane, Utah on Feb. 28, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Patrol Sgt. Joe Pastor, St. George News
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