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HEBER — Heavy fog played a role in a crash that left two people in critical condition Tuesday morning, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.
A 10-ton military dump truck driven by soldiers from the Utah National Guard crashed into an eastbound Chevrolet pickup truck on U.S. Route 40 about 4 miles north of Strawberry Reservoir just after 7 a.m., according to the Utah National Guard. UHP Sgt. Todd Royce said the soldiers were on a side road coming from Soldier Creek estates and didn’t see the upcoming roadway due to heavy fog and low visibility.
“From my understanding, they were kind of surprised that intersection was coming up as quickly as it did,” he said.
Two people inside the truck, a man and woman believed to be in their 50s, were transported to a local hospital by medical helicopter with critical injuries. It was not immediately known whether the injuries are considered to be life threatening or not.
The dump truck tipped on its side after crossing U.S. Route 40, according to Royce. He said the soldiers inside the truck sustained minor injuries and were transported to the Heber Valley Medical Center by ambulance.
The 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade has been working on improvement projects near Strawberry Reservoir since June 4, according to the Utah National Guard. Officials said the exercise is part of the soldier’s annual training.
“Utah National Guard extends concern and sympathy to those affected in this unfortunate accident and is cooperating fully with local authorities in the investigation,” a statement from the Utah National Guard reads.
Contributing: Peter Samore
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