A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Draper, Utah, Sunday evening has left an infant and a mother in critical condition, with the highway being shut down for hours as a result. According to FOX 13, initial reports suggest that the first car, carrying two adults and two children, spun out on the wet road and struck a wall, causing three additional vehicles to become entangled in the aftermath.
The situation escalated when two other cars, identified as a Mustang and a van, collided while trying to avoid the initial accident, and a motorcyclist also crashed in an attempt to evade the collision, the incident led to seven people sustaining injuries ranging from minor to moderate, however, the mother and her infant were reported to be in critical condition by the Utah Highway Patrol, as noted by ABC4.
The northbound lanes of I-15 were closed for several hours, with the Utah Department of Transportation reopening the interstate by 1:30 a.m., as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and assess the situation. As obtained by KUTV, officials suggest the significant injuries sustained by the 16-month-old baby might have been due to improper retainment during the crash.
The ongoing investigation is expected to cause continued delays on the interstate, Utah Highway Patrol has reported that most of the individuals involved in the crash suffered minor injuries, but the infant's life-threatening injuries have heightened concerns about the importance of proper vehicle restraint for children. Officials are reminding drivers to take caution on wet roads and to ensure that all passengers, especially young children, are securely restrained in suitable car seats or booster seats as part of the crash's broader implications.
