updated Oct. 24, 2011, 11:50 a.m.
ST. GEORGE – A beekeeper is en route to St. George after a semi truck rolled on Interstate 15.
Officer Ken Childs said the driver was carrying 25 million bees when he was traveling southbound on I-15 just after 5 p.m. today. The truck rolled at exit 5 in the construction area and, as of 6 p.m., was still wedged and blocking both lanes of traffic. Traffic was backed up into Washington City.
Childs said the bees are still there and a crane will be used to remove the semi truck. UDOT said they plan to move the concrete barrier and pull the semi truck off the Interstate into the work area of the Dixie Drive Interchange. This could take until 9 p.m.
Traffic is currently being diverted to Tonaquint or River Road.
Childs said the accident is under investigation and he is currently unaware of the cause. The driver and his wife were both transported by ambulance for minor injuries due to bee stings.
As of Monday, October 24, the area had been cleaned up, but the bees that were not rounded up are still swarming the area. Drivers are cautioned to keep their windows rolled up.
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It was only a matter of time before someone wrecked through that construction zone. In the southbound lanes directly before the new over pass there is a severe left turn, and just as one starts to turn the wheel there is a major uneven lane. I feel unsafe travelling it even in my SUV and go well below the posted 55 MPH. I hope they clear up the construction soon… the weaving, uneven lanes are scary!
Hence the reduced speedlimit and double fine for speeding in a CONSTRUCTION ZONE.
Drivers need to slow down.