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BEAVER — A crash on northbound I-15 near Beaver closed the freeway, which has since reopened, and pinned one person in a vehicle Friday afternoon, police said.
The crash occurred around 12:00 p.m. during congestion caused by a previous crash. A truck pulling a camper trailer was in the right lane and a gray Pride semitruck was behind the pickup. Both vehicles were either stopped or moving slowly when a Well semitruck didn't slow down and hit the back of the Pride semitruck going about 65 mph, the Utah Highway Patrol said.
After hitting the Pride semitruck, the cab of the Well semitruck became lodged in the other's trailer, trapping the passenger inside, police said.
Responding troopers found the Well semitruck's driver on the ground, but weren't sure if he had climbed out or been ejected. He told troopers that his adult son was still inside the semi. Troopers found the man, but could only reach his arm.
Lonnie Laws, a Beaver County deputy and EMT, climbed into the semi to render aid and hold the passenger's hand until he was able to be extricated. The passenger had significant injuries and was transported via helicopter to Dixie Regional Hospital. The driver was also transported to Beaver Valley Hospital in an ambulance.
The crash closed northbound I-15 and traffic was diverted through Beaver on state Route 160, but all lanes were reopened around 3:30 p.m. and only the 109 onramp remained closed.
Troopers are still investigating why the Well semitruck driver did not slow down in response to the congestion.
More information will be released as it is received.
