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SALT LAKE CITY — Two people were injured, one critically, when a driver went off the road Wednesday and hit them where they were sitting just west of Pioneer Park.
The driver of a pickup truck was headed west on 400 South and stopped at the light at 400 West about 9:30 a.m. When the light turned green and other vehicles began to move, the truck stayed still, said Salt Lake police detective Robert Ungricht.
After a moment, the man driving the truck accelerated suddenly, rear-ending a vehicle in front of him and veering off to the right side of the road and striking two men, Ungricht said.
The area is known for its homeless population. Ungricht said it is unknown whether the two men are homeless.
The two men, one in his late 30s and the other in his late 20s, were transported to area hospitals. The older man was initially listed in critical condition but was upgraded to stable condition Wednesday night. The other man was listed in stable condition soon after the wreck, Ungricht said. Both were expected to survive.
Police have not determined why the pickup driver accelerated or went off the road.
"It's a possibility that he might have suffered a medical issue," said Salt Lake Police Sgt. Robin Heiden.
The driver was treated at the scene, according to police. The truck also hit two light poles and a power pole.
