Spring storm turns deadly on Utah roads


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SALT LAKE CITY -- A spring snowstorm proved deadly on Utah roads Thursday.

Just as troopers arrived at a crash in Parley's Canyon with several injured victims, another crash occurred just north of Peoa in which a man was killed.

Troopers say weather conditions and speed were factors in both crashes.

Parley's Canyon crash clogs traffic, injures 3

The first crash occurred on Interstate 80 in Parley's Canyon just before the Lamb's Canyon exit, around 6:30 a.m. Troopers say a white Honda Accord was traveling east when the driver suddenly veered over the barrier and into westbound traffic.

"At that same time, there was a black Nissan Sentra traveling westbound in the number one lane, and as the white passenger car vaulted over the crash continuation, the car landed on top of the black car on the driver's side," said Sgt. Sheldon Riches, with the Utah Highway Patrol.

Troopers say the white Accord rolled after landing on top of the black Nissan, ejecting one the two people inside.

Troopers say the driver and passenger in the Accord were taken to University Medical Center in serious condition. The driver of the Nissan was taken to Intermountain Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

Traffic was diverted off the freeway at mile marker 137, but allowed back on a short distance later.

Peoa crash kills 28-year-old man

The driver of this Oldsmobile died at the scene.
The driver of this Oldsmobile died at the scene.

The second weather-related crash happened about an hour later just north of Peoa, on state Road 32.

Troopers say the 28-year-old driver of a 1985 brown Oldsmobile was traveling too fast on the snow-covered road when he lost control and swerved into oncoming traffic. The vehicle smashed head on into a 2000 Toyota Tundra that was traveling south.

"The driver of the Toyota truck sustained neck injuries and was transported to IMC," said Jeff Daems, with the Utah Highway Patrol. "The driver of the Oldsmobile was killed in the crash."

Troopers say the driver of the Oldsmobile, Felipe Salinas, was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred and that his car did not have airbags. They say Salinas was originally sitting up and talking to troopers, but his condition quickly went downhill and he died at the scene.

The 50-year-old driver of the Tundra was taken to IMC with minor injuries.

UHP Trooper Cameron Roden said there were approximately 20 accidents in Salt Lake and Utah counties between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Thursday.

Roden said some drivers in the spring have a tendency to drive too fast for the conditions.

"We've had some good weather, and when the bad weather comes back we need to adjust to those type conditions," he said.

Storm closes roads in Yellowstone

The storm has forced the closure of several roads in Yellowstone National Park. The Park's phone information states there are four sections that are closed due to weather:

  • Mammoth Canyon to Norris Canyon
  • Norris Canyon to Madison Campground
  • West Entrance to Madison
  • Madison to Old Faithful

No word yet on when the roads may reopen.

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Story compiled with contributions from Shara Park and Marc Giauque.

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