MAGNA, Utah, Dec. 22, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A semi carrying road salt took a turn too fast in Magna Thursday morning, and its load shifted, causing the whole rig to turn on its side.
“We had a semi truck pulling a trailer with a pup (smaller trailer), loaded with salt for the roads, because they are icy this morning,” said Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Funk.
“He was coming eastbound on 201 at 8400 West, and the light changed. He wasn’t going to slow in time, so instead of blowing the intersection, he tried to make the turn to go south on 8400 West.”
It didn’t go as well as the driver hoped.
“As he was making the turn with his load, and the speed he was traveling, it was just too quick,” Funk said. “It caused the semi to roll, and it actually rolled and slid into the other truck that was facing northbound waiting at the light.”
Both drivers were alone in their trucks, and there were “no substantial injuries to either driver,” Funk said.
The accident happened at about 9 a.m., Funk said. Salt and diesel fuel spilled on the roadway.
“The main load was the salt, but there was also some diesel fuel that leaked out of the saddle bags of the semi that rolled over,” Funk said. “Fire took care of that and got it plugged, and we’ve got an environmental group coming out to check for contamination.”
