First responders, good samaritan work together to save passengers from crashed, burning car on SR-18

ST. GEORGE — A Washington County Sheriff’s deputy and good samaritan are being credited with saving the lives of two people who were trapped in their burning car after a rollover on state Route 18 in Diamond Valley overnight Friday.

The scene after a car rolled over in the early morning hours on state Route 18, Diamond Valley, Utah, June 9, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Dammeron Valley Fire Department, St. George News

The crash involved what officers said was a newly purchased white Kia Stinger sedan traveling south at as much as twice the speed limit on SR-18 before rolling over at mile marker 13. Alcohol intoxication is suspected to have played a role, law enforcement officials said.

The two males rescued from the mangled vehicle were taken to St. George Regional Hospital. Both were in critical condition The driver was later airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas and as of noon Friday remains in the intensive care unit there while the passenger remains at the St. George hospital. 

“Both had significant injuries to their upper bodies and head,” Washington County Sheriff Sgt. Lucas Alfred told St. George News. 

Both sides of SR-18 at Diamond Valley were closed off for a time during the pre-twilight rescue.

According to a statement from the Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue, it was initially a signal from an Apple Watch that detected that its wearer had been involved in a crash around 2:11 a.m. on the north-south route between St. George and Veyo.

Speed sign knocked down on state Route 18 after a car rolled over in the early morning hours, Diamond Valley, Utah, June 9, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Dammeron Valley Fire Department, St. George News

The fire department then heard from passerby Jayden Darrington, who called in to say he had come upon a vehicle that had rolled over and was on fire with two people still inside. 

Sgt. Dustin Killpack, a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department then arrived on scene.

While the passenger was able to exit the vehicle, first responders said the driver remained unable to get out on their own.

At that point, Killpack and Darrington worked together to get the driver out as the crushed vehicle continued to burn. 

“The heroic efforts of Sgt. Killpack and Jayden Darrington saved the lives of the vehicle’s occupants,” the statement from the Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue said. “We commend them for their selfless assistance.”

As EMTs from two Gold Cross Ambulances arrived to treat the patients, Dammeron Valley firefighters were joined by Santa Calara-Ivins firefighters to douse the vehicle and keep it from spreading far into the surrounding brush. 

Also assisting at the scene were a St. George Police officer and the Gunlock Fire Department. 

A 55-mph speed limit caution sign knocked down by the car hinted at part of the cause of the incident. 

“The passenger said they were going at 120 mph,” Alfred said. “You could tell they were at a high rate of speed by the skid marks.”

The area’s firefighters also noted a number of incidents involving high speeds on the rural road.

We remind everyone traveling on SR-18 to drive defensively and observe all posted speed limit and traffic signs,” Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue said in its statement. “As growth across Washington County increases traffic on the corridor, it is important to pay attention and avoid excessive speeds and risky passing maneuvers.”

But Alfred said something worse than speed might have caused the crash. 

“The biggest problem is suspicion of alcohol,” Alfred said, noting that when, or if, the driver recovers, he faces a DUI charge. “Depending on how things go, he will be charged. He’s not in any position to get charges at this time.”

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

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!