WASHINGTON CITY — A man was sent to the hospital after he drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk and slammed into a tree, causing his SUV to flip over Sunday evening.
Washington City Police were dispatched to 3050 East on a report of a rollover at approximately 5:55 p.m.
The 20-year-old male driver of a white Ford Explorer SUV was traveling north on 3050 East at the time of the incident, Washington Police Officer Ed Kantor said.
For reasons unknown at the time of publication, the driver left the roadway just before the intersection with Red Cliffs Drive/Telegraph Street, driving onto the sidewalk and running over a sign before smashing into a tree and rolling the SUV, Kantor said.
The man was able to leave the vehicle on his own and was conscious and alert. He was transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation by Gold Cross Ambulance; the severity of his injuries is also unknown at the time this report was taken.
Whether the driver will be cited for the incident is still the subject of investigation, Kantor said.
The SUV sustained heavy damage in the crash, including a shattered windshield and smashed front end. Airbags deployed in the vehicle, rendering it inoperable.
Traffic in the area remained mostly unaffected as an officer directed traffic by hand around the upended SUV.
Towing the vehicle proved to be a challenge and required the work of two wreckers to land the Ford into its upright position.
Washington City Fire also responded to the incident.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a rollover, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
A Ford Explorer sits upside down after its driver slammed into a tree, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
A Ford Explorer sits upside down after its driver slammed into a tree, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
A Ford Explorer sits upside down after its driver slammed into a tree, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a rollover, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a rollover, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a rollover, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a rollover, Washington City, Utah, Dec. 11, 2016 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.
Well the important thing is the driver was able to walk away on his own. the vehicle can always be replaced.
Hmmm…what could cause me to drive off the road on to a sidewalk and into a tree?? Perhaps my cell phone? I see it everyday. I will be sitting at a light and usually 1 or more are looking “checking” their phones at lights. This guy is lucky he didn’t run over pedestrians. That is a busy area.
Im actaully 28 years old and there was no cell phone envolved nor anything that took my attention from the road or controling the vehicle. The steering column locked up causing me to veer off the road thats the last thing i remember besides being pulled out, Im very lucky to be alive!!. I would like to thank all the emergency personnel for your help and service last night and also thanks to everybody at the scene who assisted me im very thankful to you all!!!