A major chain-reaction collision involving nine vehicles brought traffic to a standstill on Interstate 15 in Riverdale on Friday afternoon, leaving a 15-year-old boy seriously injured and several others with minor wounds.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred around 2:52 p.m. on the northbound side of I-15 near 4600 South.
Investigators said a Dodge Ram towing a 32-foot toy hauler was traveling in the left lane amid heavy traffic conditions. Preliminary findings indicate the driver may have been traveling too fast for the road environment and the size of the vehicle combination.
As congestion increased and vehicles ahead began slowing, the truck reportedly struck a white Hyundai and a black Volkswagen from behind. The force of the impact pushed both vehicles into nearby traffic, triggering a chain-reaction collision that ultimately involved nine vehicles.
Initial reports from the Utah Highway Patrol had suggested eight vehicles were involved, but authorities later confirmed the higher number.
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Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and transported several individuals to local hospitals with minor injuries. However, a 15-year-old passenger traveling in the Hyundai sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization.
The crash caused significant disruptions for commuters, with all northbound lanes temporarily closed while emergency crews cleared the wreckage and investigators examined the scene.
Traffic remained heavily impacted for several hours before the Utah Department of Transportation announced that all lanes had reopened by approximately 7:30 p.m.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.