An overnight run through Morgan County turned deadly early Thursday when a semi-truck hauling apples overturned on Interstate 84, ejecting and killing the driver and scattering fruit across the freeway. The crash happened shortly after 2 a.m., and while the driver died at the scene, a passenger who had been sleeping in the cab escaped without injury.
What officials said
According to FOX13, citing the Department of Public Safety, troopers say the semi failed to handle a left-hand curve and rolled onto its side. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the cab and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the driver's name. The passenger, asleep in the sleeper berth at the time, was not hurt.
Traffic and cleanup
KUTV reports the crash happened just after 2:00 a.m. and left one lane shut down for much of the day while crews worked to upright the rig and clear the spilled apples. Emergency responders and troopers stayed on scene through the recovery and cleanup. Drivers moving through the area were warned to plan for delays.
Why rollovers happen
Rollover crashes involving loaded semis are a familiar problem on Utah's interstates and mountain curves, where speed, tight turns, and heavy or top-heavy loads can make big rigs unstable. A Deseret News look at past incidents noted that troopers often point to speed and sharp curves, including previous rollovers of trucks carrying apples, as key factors. Officials regularly urge truckers to slow down for advisory signs and adjust for road design to avoid this kind of wreck.
Investigation ongoing
The Department of Public Safety and Utah Highway Patrol are investigating the rollover and will review what led to the driver's ejection and the fatal outcome. Authorities have not released the driver's identity, according to KUTV, and troopers have not provided additional details about the truck or the hauling company. Officials say more information will be shared as the investigation moves forward.
