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SCIPIO, Millard County — One child died and three other minors were injured Thursday after being ejected in a crash on I-15, the Utah Department of Public Safety said.
On Thursday, a maroon 1999 Dodge Caravan was northbound on I-15 near the beginning of a construction project.
The Dodge was in the left lane trying to pass a semitruck when it entered the construction zone and lanes merged into one, officials said.
The Dodge ran out of room quickly and was ultimately left with two choices: driving into barrels or sideswiping the semitruck.
The driver steered sharply left and struck the median, vaulting across it. The car rolled several times and ejected four juvenile occupants.
The male driving was seriously injured and was extricated from the vehicle. The woman in the passenger seat suffered minor injuries.
Three of the juvenile occupants were transported to a hospital and later flown to a different hospital.
The last juvenile, an 11-year-old girl, suffered critical injuries and was treated by paramedics but was later declared dead at the scene.
The four juvenile passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, authorities confirmed.
On Thursday, Utah Highway Patrol officials urged drivers to slow down in construction zones, follow traffic control signs and merge lanes earlier if possible.
Additionally, UHP reminded Utahns of the important role seatbelts play in saving lives.
