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SPANISH FORK — Northbound I-15 was closed for about 2 hours after an accident near Main Street in Spanish Fork Friday.
The initial crash occurred around noon with a series of accidents near Main Street. As authorities were trying to clear the area and the previous crashes, a semitruck crashed into seven more vehicles that were stopped on the freeway. The collision blocked multiple lanes, according to Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce.
Northbound I-15 traffic was backed up and diverted off the freeway in Payson. The road was closed until around 2:10, authorities said, though there are still serious delays.
Yikes! So when I mentioned that NB 15 Spanish Fk Exit 256 is now OPEN but said "Delays Linger," this.... is what I meant! 😱 pic.twitter.com/a2zg6OASi3 — Rikki Meece (@KSLRikki) February 24, 2017
"They ended up flying one male in his 50s with serious to critical injuries, though I don’t believe they’re life-threatening injuries," Royce said.
No other injuries have been reported.
The cause of the accident has not yet been released but authorities believe weather was a factor.
This is the third time I-15 has been closed due to crashes in a period of 48 hours. Southbound I-15 near Lehi was closed Thursday morning and stretches of northbound I-15 were closed Thursday night.
More information will be posted as it is received.