Driver hurt after semi hits downed power line, crashes on I-15
-
- A semitruck and trailer hit a downed power line and crashed on Interstate 15 in Centerville on Monday, May 9, 2022.
-
- A semitruck and trailer hit a downed power line and crashed on Interstate 15 in Centerville on Monday, May 9, 2022.
CENTERVILLE — A semitruck struck a downed power line Monday morning, causing it to crash and spill hazardous materials on Interstate 15 near Parrish Lane. The driver suffered minor injuries and the freeway was closed for a time.
The southbound truck hit concrete median barriers, spraying debris that damaged cars in the northbound lanes, according to the Utah Highway Patrol, which also reported that a Union Pacific train struck the downed line as well.
UHP said in a news release that the crash occurred shortly after 4 a.m. and that both sides of the freeway were closed for cleanup and investigation. The northbound lanes and one southbound lane were reopened later.
A telephone pole fire triggered the line problem, said Luke Veigel, Bountiful City Power electrical engineer. Such fires can be caused by excessive moisture or dust, he said. It rained overnight where the incident occurred.
“It’s not common, but it does happen,” Veigel said.
South Davis Metro Fire Chief Dane Stone said the transformer on the pole exploded and the pole was on fire and leaning, the line drooping. The train hit the line first, then the semi, Stone said.
The truck driver was taken to a local hospital. Hazardous materials crews were on the scene cleaning up fuel and oil that spilled from the truck, according to a release from the fire department.