Summit County, UT (June 6, 2025) — A crash involving a semi-tanker and multiple vehicles left one person in serious condition Thursday after the tanker overturned onto a passenger car along westbound Interstate 80, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. The incident remains under investigation.
Incident Details: The crash occurred when a semi-truck tanker traveling westbound on I-80 struck an elk, causing the vehicle to overturn onto a nearby passenger car. The car driver was transported to the hospital in serious condition, and the semi-truck driver sustained moderate injuries and was also hospitalized.
Following the crash, a second vehicle struck the elk as well. A significant oil spill from the tanker closed westbound I-80 and forced traffic to be diverted onto U.S. Route 40 while emergency responders cleared the scene and contained the spill.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The Utah Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including visibility, speed, and wildlife activity in the area. Investigators will also examine whether roadway management, driver behavior, or vehicle maintenance played a role.
Elk collisions are a known hazard in rural Utah, but the presence of a commercial tanker and subsequent rollover adds complexity to the case.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the seriously injured driver could potentially pursue a personal injury claim to recover costs related to medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Source: KSL NewsRadio