ST. GEORGE — One vehicle struck the back of a small passenger car, causing a chain reaction that destroyed two cars and brought southbound traffic to a halt at the intersection of 700 South and Bluff Street at approximately 12:30 p.m. Monday.
Officers arrived to find three vehicles, a large concrete mixer that sustained minimal damage, as well as a white Kia two-door and a white Buick sedan, both of which sustained extensive damage.
Responders also found a Buick driver who suffered several minor injuries, including contusions to his lip and face.
St. George Police Officer Dennis Blackman told St. George News that the driver declined to be transported from the scene to the hospital by ambulance, and he also said the other two drivers involved in the crash reported no serious injuries.
The backup of traffic on the southbound side of Bluff Street continued to grow as additional officers were called in to divert motorists.
At the time of the collision, all three vehicles were heading south on Bluff Street and approaching the intersection as traffic was slowing to a stop. The mixer slowed to a stop, as did the Kia, followed by the Buick, which that slammed into the back of the Kia at roughly 35 mph. This pushed the Kia into the back of the concrete mixer, causing an accordion-style crash that left the Kia crushed on both ends.
The impact also sent debris scattering across the roadway and left the two passenger vehicles heavily damaged. Both were towed from the roadway while the concrete mixer sustained minimal damage.
St George Police Officer Tiffany Mitchell told St. George News that the Buick driver was later cited for following too close, driving on a revoked license and for not having an interlock device installed on the vehicle.
“Bottom line, he shouldn’t have been driving,” Mitchell added.
Southbound traffic on Bluff Street was significantly impacted, while traffic on 700 South was partially blocked at the intersection immediately after the collision.
The St. George Police Department, the St. George Fire Department, Gold Cross Ambulance tended to the scene, while the Utah Department of Transportation’s Incident Management Team also responded to assist. No further details were available at the time of this report.
This report is based on statements from police, emergency personnel or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Photo Gallery
Emergency personnel clear debris and fluids from the roadway following a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of 700 South and Bluff Street in St. George, Utah, Nov. 20, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Officers and emergency personnel respond to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of 700 South and Bluff Street in St. George, Utah, Nov. 20, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News A three-vehicle crash at the intersection of 700 South and Bluff Street blocks the intersection and leaves one driver injured, St. George, Utah, Nov. 20, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News A long line of vehicles in the southbound lanes of Bluff Street extends for several blocks following a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of 700 South in St. George, Utah, Nov. 20, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Emergency personnel clear debris and fluids from the roadway following a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of 700 South and Bluff Street in St. George, Utah, Nov. 20, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Emergency personnel clear debris and fluids from the roadway following a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of 700 South and Bluff Street in St. George, Utah, Nov. 20, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News 
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