LAYTON -- A single-car accident in Layton that law enforcement officials believe was caused by drowsy driving clogged up Interstate 15 for hours on Thursday.
Around 10:15 a.m., a white Jeep SUV swerved off the interstate near Mile Marker 334 and hit the concrete sound wall.
Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Cameron Roden said the 23-year-old driver of the Jeep SUV was traveling in the far left lane and crossed to the right lane when he lost control.
Roden said troopers believe the man fell asleep and the passenger in the Jeep grabbed the wheel and overcorrected, causing the Jeep to crash into the sound wall.
"We suspect he may have been dozing off and the passenger tried to help him," he said.
The vehicle hit the sound wall and "wrapped the Jeep around on the driver's side," Roden said.
One of the concrete sound panels was significantly damaged by the impact.
The passenger in the Jeep was treated at the scene for minor injuries, but the driver was airlifted to a Salt Lake City hospital and listed in serious condition.
The Utah Highway Patrol did not release the names of the victims.
Both victims had to be extricated from the vehicle.
Southbound I-15 traffic was at a complete standstill throughout the northern portion of Davis County and into southern Weber County because the emergency helicopter had to land on the freeway to transport the victims.
Southbound I-15 closed due to rollover, two seriously injured
LAYTON — Southbound lanes on Interstate 15 near Antelope Drive are closed due to a rollover that happened about 10:40 a.m.
Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Cameron Roden said the driver of the Jeep SUV was traveling in the left lane and crossed to the right lane when he lost control.
He hit the sound wall and “wrapped the Jeep around on the driver’s side,†Roden said.
The two occupants were seriously injured. The driver will be transported by helicopter to a Salt Lake hospital, Roden said.
The lanes will remain close until the helicopter leaves.
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