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MAGNA — Two people died in a head-on collision in Salt Lake County early Wednesday. Investigators say one of the vehicles involved was traveling the wrong way prior to the crash.
The driver of a pickup truck was traveling east in the westbound lanes of highway 201 for at least half a mile before hitting a car near 9200 West around 1:30 a.m., according to Sgt. Rich Nielson of the UHP.
The drivers of both vehicles died on impact, Nielson said. They were the only people inside the vehicles.
UHP identified the driver of the truck as 57-year-old Farlaino G. Earl of Midvale. The other man was identified as 38-year-old Joseph Reiley of Tooele.
“We don’t know why the vehicle was traveling in the other lane. He’d been in the lane for awhile,” Nielson said.
Investigators were trying to determine if the wreck was intentional, or if the driver of the pickup was confused. There are no known witnesses to the crash, which made the investigation challenging, Nielson said.
A distinct concrete barrier, about 6 to 8 inches wide, divides the highway, Nielson noted. Investigators aren't sure why the pickup driver would have crossed it.
Investigators found no indication that either driver tried to stop suddenly, and they do not believe alcohol or weather played a factor in the crash, Nielson said.
The names of the deceased have not been released.
