A series of collisions on I-15 in Utah County left several people injured Wednesday morning. According to officials, the crash happened around 9:15 a.m. when a dump truck traveling north allegedly lost a rear tire. The tire bounced across the barrier wall, striking two vehicles and causing minor injuries. As traffic slowed in response to the dump truck, a semi-truck allegedly rear-ended a passenger car, sparking a chain-reaction crash that left one person critically injured and another seriously hurt.
When two separate but connected crashes involving commercial vehicles contribute to one event, investigators must look closely at both vehicle condition and driver performance to understand what went wrong.
Could a Defective Tire Have Started the Chain?
A tire separating from a moving truck is often a sign of either mechanical failure or a product defect. Investigators will want to determine whether the dump truck’s tire failure was due to improper maintenance, overloading, or a manufacturing flaw. Inspecting the wheel assembly, hub, and tire carcass will be key in identifying whether the blowout was sudden or the result of long-term wear that went unnoticed. If a defect is confirmed, the manufacturer could face some liability.
Did the Semi-Truck Have Enough Time to Stop?
The second phase of this crash involved a semi striking slowed traffic from behind. Investigators will likely review the semi driver’s hours-of-service records to determine if fatigue contributed to delayed reaction times. Distraction will also be a consideration. Phone records, in-cab video, or eyewitness accounts could clarify whether the driver was focused on the road. At the same time, the semi’s braking system and tires must be inspected to rule out mechanical issues that might have prevented the truck from stopping in time.
Key Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi could reveal speed, brake application, and throttle use just before the crash. Physical evidence at the scene like skid marks, debris from the dislodged tire, and the final resting positions of vehicles will help reconstruct the sequence of events. Investigators will also want to examine maintenance records for both the dump truck and the semi, ensuring no prior issues were overlooked.
Why This Investigation Is Crucial
This crash was not the result of a single impact, but a chain of failures that left multiple people seriously injured. Understanding whether a defective tire, inadequate vehicle upkeep, or driver inattention was to blame will be critical in explaining how the events unfolded and ensuring accountability.
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