Fatal Crash Shuts Down Spanish Fork Canyon: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to travel through Spanish Fork Canyon, you might want to rethink your route. A fatal crash involving two trucks has shut down US-6 in both directions on Friday afternoon.

According to the Utah Highway Patrol, a Toyota Prius crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a Ford pickup truck pulling a trailer. The driver of the Prius was killed on the scene, while two others were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash occurred around 2 p.m. near mile marker 180 in the Diamond Fork area. The highway was closed eastbound at US-89 in Spanish Fork and westbound at mile marker 180. Drivers were advised to expect major delays and use alternate routes.

What caused the fatal crash in Spanish Fork Canyon?

The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities suspect that speed and distraction may have played a role. Corporal Quince Breur with the Utah Highway Patrol said that the Prius was traveling at a high rate of speed when it crossed into the oncoming lane.

“We don’t know if they were on their phone or what they were doing, but they were obviously not paying attention to the road,” Breur said.

Breur also said that the Prius had been involved in a minor fender-bender earlier that day, which may have contributed to the driver’s erratic behavior.

Who were the victims of the fatal crash in Spanish Fork Canyon?

The identity of the driver of the Prius has not been released yet, pending notification of family members. The two occupants of the Ford pickup truck were identified as a man and a woman from Utah County. They were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The pickup truck was hauling a trailer loaded with camping gear and a motorcycle. The trailer was detached from the truck during the collision and ended up on the side of the road. The motorcycle was damaged but not destroyed.

How to avoid the fatal crash site in Spanish Fork Canyon?

As of Friday evening, US-6 remained closed in both directions as crews worked to clear the scene and repair the damaged guardrail. UDOT estimated that the highway would reopen around 8 p.m., but advised drivers to check their website or Twitter account for updates.

Drivers who need to travel through Spanish Fork Canyon can use alternative routes such as US-89, US-191, or I-15. However, they should expect heavy traffic and delays on these roads as well.

Drivers who do not need to travel through Spanish Fork Canyon are urged to avoid the area altogether and stay home if possible.

Conclusion

A fatal crash in Spanish Fork Canyon has shut down US-6 in both directions and caused major traffic disruptions. The crash involved two trucks, one of which crossed into the opposite lane and hit the other head-on. One person was killed and two others were injured. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but speed and distraction may have been factors. Drivers who need to travel through Spanish Fork Canyon should use alternate routes or stay home if possible.