Trailer flips on I-15, spills contents into roadway; STGnews Videocast

WASHINGTON COUNTY — Traffic on southbound Interstate 15 came to a standstill Monday morning after a truck pulling a trailer lost control, flipping the trailer and spilling its contents onto the roadway.

A tow truck prepares to tow away the remains of a trailer that flipped on I-15, spilling it's contents into the roadway, Washington County, milepost 36, July 6, 2015 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News
A tow truck prepares to remove the remains of a trailer that flipped on I-15 near milepost 36, spilling its contents into the roadway, Washington County, Utah, July 6, 2015 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News

At approximately 9:35 a.m. near milepost 36, a California woman was driving a gold-colored Chevy pickup truck south on I-15 when the trailer began swerving back and forth, Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Chris Terry said.

“She overcorrected, and then the trailer flipped,” Terry said. “(It) stayed attached to the truck.”

While the trailer remained attached to the truck when it flipped, the truck did not roll or flip along with the trailer. Luckily, Terry said, no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

A male passenger and a young child were also in the truck with the driver, Terry said.  The group was heading back home after enjoying a vacation.

Members of the Utah Highway Patrol responded to the scene, Terry said, along with members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah Department of Transportation. No one in the truck was believed to have been harmed.

The remains of a trailer that flipped on I-15, spilling it's contents into the roadway, Washington County, milepost 36, July 6, 2015 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News
The remains of a trailer that flipped on I-15 near milepost 36, spilling its contents into the roadway, Washington County, Utah, July 6, 2015 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News

Traffic slowed to a halt while responders began cleaning up the wreckage and debris, which included two custom motorcycles, a mattress, clothing and other miscellaneous items from inside the trailer.

After a short while, the left lane by the accident was opened, and traffic was allowed to trickle through as the cleanup continued. Multiple tow trucks were called to the scene to assist with removing the trailer and its contents.

By 11:50 a.m., both lanes were reopened for use, and traffic was allowed to continue as usual.

The woman driving the truck was not issued a citation, Terry said.

“They’ve had a pretty bad day,” Terry said, “so we’re not going to cite them today.”

Damage done to a  crash attenuator at the scene of an accident where a trailer flipped, Washington County, milepost 36, July 6, 2015 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News
Damage done to a crash attenuator at the scene of an accident where a trailer flipped, Washington County, Utah, July 6, 2015 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News

While the truck was not believed to have been speeding at the time of the crash, Terry said he still cautions drivers to slow down in the area and keep their attention focused on the road.

“Just watch your speed, and watch your lane travel,” Terry said. “If you get tired, pull over.”

Terry also urged drivers who are stuck in traffic near an accident to be aware of what is going on around them and make room for emergency responders and tow trucks, who may be trying to get to the accident scene by driving on the shoulder of the road.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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3 Comments

  • fun bag July 6, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    vehicles w trailers should have a separate lower speed limit, but that’ll never happen cuz utah’s “pro business” policies…

    • mesaman July 6, 2015 at 9:06 pm

      Slip out of your cocoon some day and drive out of state, any direction, you’ll be amazed at how similar truckers and personal recreation vehicles are. Has nothing to do with your whine but if it makes you feel better,j whine.

  • mmsandie July 6, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    In Europe the trucks and trailers have to drive slowere. And one lane over.. I have been going there for 14 yrs, and never saw an accident on the Audubon. Trucks have there own lane and high speed cars stay in the left lane, no trucks, trailers over 55 mph.. People go too fast and over correct and then have load shifts and problems..

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