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UHP responds to crashes with multiple fatalities on I-15 in Millard County
UPDATED INFO 15:00 P.M.
Names of fatal parties involved.
Occupants of the Buick:
Passengers:
Kortni Sawyer Age: 30 From: St. George, UT
Riggins Sawyer Age: 6 From: St. George, UT
Franki Sawyer Age: 2 From: St. George, UT
Driver:
Race Sawyer Age: 37 From: Lehi, UT (Father to Ryder and Brother-in-law to Kortni)
Ryder Sawyer Age: 12 From: Lehi, UT
Occupants of Hyundai:
Driver: Richard Lorenzon (Correction) Age: 51 From: Salt Lake City, UT
Passenger: Maricela Lorenzon Age: 47 From: Salt Lake City, UT
Occupant of Cadillac:
Passenger: Cameron Valentine Age: 15 From: Yuma, AZ
KANOSH, Millard County — A sandstorm in Millard County led to 8 fatalities, including some children, and various injured motorists in a series of crashes Sunday afternoon west of Kanosh.
Ten people were transported to area hospitals, at least 3 in critical condition. All others who were transported had non life-threatening injuries. Five of the eight people killed in the crash were traveling in one vehicle. Two others who were killed were traveling together in another vehicle. One fatality was from a third vehicle.
Four of the fatal victims were adults and four were children under the age of 15.
What happened
Twenty-two vehicles were involved in Sunday’s crashes after high winds caused a sand or dust storm and impaired visibility on the roadway around 4:30 p.m.
Some minor crashes in the midst of the storm blocked the roadway. In the process of coming to a stop, a semi appears to have rear-ended a pickup. The most significant crashes happened behind the semi with two vehicles becoming wedged underneath the back of the trailer. They appear to have been hit from behind by another pickup. Another vehicle appears to have sideswiped the semitrailer, as well.
The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 15 near milepost 152, between the Meadow and Kanosh exits. Southbound traffic in the area was shut down until early Monday morning.
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The Utah Highway Patrol summoned troopers from Richfield and Beaver to assist. Multiple ground and air ambulances also responded to transport victims.
We want to express our deep appreciation for the Millard County Sheriff’s Office and the volunteer fire and EMS crews from Delta and Fillmore who provided medical response. This has been a heartbreaking incident for everyone who responded to this incident. The Utah Highway Patrol relies on local medical responders in these types of incidents.
No names of victims will be released until 24 hours after notifications are made to next of kin, likely this afternoon.
What should motorists do if they are caught in this situation?
It’s important to pay close attention to conditions and visibility on the road. When visibility is low, please slow down. Don’t outdrive your ability to maneuver safely. Treat dust storms just like fog. If you can’t see, you need to reduce your speed.
If it can be done safely, drivers should go to the nearest exit, but if it’s not possible, please slow down.
Traffic impacts
Northbound and southbound traffic through the area is now open.
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