Semi rolls over, spills load of rebar into I-15 median in Iron County

Written by Jeff Richards
June 22, 2023
Scene of a semitractor-trailer rollover on Interstate 15 mile marker 98, Iron County, Utah, June 21, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Ladd's Towing, St. George News / Cedar City News

CEDAR CITY — A driver escaped injury in a semitractor-trailer rollover in Iron County on Wednesday.

Scene of a semitractor-trailer rollover on Interstate 15 mile marker 98, Iron County, Utah, June 21, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Ladd’s Towing, St. George News / Cedar City News

Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Randy Riches said the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on northbound Interstate 15 near mile marker 98 (approximately 10 miles south of Beaver).

The semi, which was carrying a load of rebar on its flatbed trailer, went off the left side of the roadway and rolled, spilling its load.

“The semi ended up in the median so there was very minimal traffic impact,” Riches told Cedar City News, adding that he did not yet know the reason the driver went off the road.

“I do know that there is an unknown vehicle involved, so it’s possible that vehicle was the cause,” Riches said, adding that the incident is still under investigation.

The driver was not injured in the crash.

Although the heavily damaged truck was totaled, tow truck operator Ladd Brindley of Ladd’s Towing said that most of the payload of rebar appeared to be salvageable, except for a few pieces.

Brindley said he and his crew finished clearing the scene shortly after 10 p.m.

This report is based on statements from law enforcement officials and other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings. 

Updated June 23, 6 p.m. Utah Highway Patrol said that after interviewing witnesses and drivers, investigators have determined a passenger vehicle tried to cut in between two semi trucks, causing the one in the left lane to veer left, then overcorrect and strike another semi in the right lane before rolling into the median. The passenger vehicle, whose driver did not stop, has not been identified nor located, Lt. Riches said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

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