One Dead After Semi-Truck Crashes, Catches Fire In Morgan County
Dec 10, 2019, 5:37 AM | Updated: 10:28 am
PETERSON, Utah – Crews responded to a fatal semi-truck crash in Morgan County Monday night, and lanes remained closed Tuesday morning.
According to Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Justin Cheney, the crash happened just before 11 p.m. on eastbound I-84 at mile post 96.
The driver has been identified as Jimmie Grundie, 59, of Brigham City.
The truck was pulling a 53-foot trailer, Cheney said. For an unknown reason, the semi left its lane and veered right where it struck a cement barrier before rolling onto the passenger side. The truck and trailer then slid down the roadway, causing sparks that ignited fuel leaking from the tanks.
The vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames, authorities said. Grundie was unable to escape.
Breaking news this morning a deadly crash after a semi driver drifted for unknown reasons, hit the barrier and the truck burst into flames. I-84 E&W lanes closed MM 96 near Peterson exit in Morgan County. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/MstaQyI1MI
— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) December 10, 2019
“Speaking with some of the family members, it sounds like this gentleman had some heart issues,” Cheney said. “He had a heart issue, possibly a heart attack, as recently as two weeks ago.”
“It was also indicated that he has a significant diabetic problem,” he added. “Those very well may be contributing factors.”
The semi-truck was blocking all eastbound lanes, and UHP shut down westbound lanes due to the amount of debris on the road.
Authorities were continuing their investigation Tuesday morning.
“The cab on the truck’s completely gone,” Cheney said. “So it’s kind of making things a little bit difficult at this point.”
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