9 Injured After Vehicle Crashes Into COVID-19 Testing Site At Rice-Eccles Stadium
Nov 5, 2020, 10:40 AM | Updated: 11:10 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A vehicle crashed into two vehicles and a tent at a COVID-19 testing site at the University of Utah, authorities said.
The crash happened at approximately 9:45 a.m. Thursday in the parking lot of Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Nine people were injured in the crash. Four were hospitalized but two were released later Thursday.
Officials said the other two were in good condition.
“The people that were transported besides the driver, the others that were transported were employees,” said Dr. Richard Orlandi, associate chief medical officer for University of Utah Health. “The individuals that were in the cars that were struck were not transported.”
#Breaking: 9 people injured- 4 transported to hospital, 5 treated and released on scene. Truck ploughs into a COVID testing center at the University of Utah football stadium parking lot. Initial investigation indicate driver had a possible medical emergency. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/GdSai2OWqm
— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) November 5, 2020
Officials said a man in a pickup truck possibly suffered a medical issue when his vehicle crashed into a mobile trailer at the testing site.
The driver had entered the testing site from the wrong direction, authorities said. He was instructed to turn around, and as he was making he turn his truck accelerated for an unknown reason.
“We were just hoping that nobody got killed,” said Sandra Marsh, who witnessed the crash.
Clouds of smoke filled the air moments after the truck in front of Sandra and Rich Marsh wiped out two portable buildings at the COVID-19 testing site.
“Health workers and what not they were all just running towards the car, and then the smoke started coming out,” Sandra Marsh said.
“The engine was still running and the wheels were still spinning and people were trying to break windows to get into the vehicle,” Rich Marsh added.
It was unclear if there were any passengers with the driver in the truck, but Marsh said he saw someone jump out.
“I saw someone get out of the passenger side as if there was some danger being in the car,” he said.
The Marshs were grateful to have been behind harm’s way, as they prayed for those involved.
“We’re sad to hear about the injuries that took place,” Rich Marsh said. “That is never good to hear.”
Officials said appointments for this site were being rescheduled until the site is back up and running.
