PAYSON, Utah — A tragic head-on crash on Interstate 15 claimed the lives of two individuals Tuesday afternoon when an SUV traveling northbound crossed into oncoming traffic in Payson.
The collision occurred just after 4:50 p.m., shortly past the Main Street interchange, according to Sgt. Devon Gurney of the Utah Highway Patrol. Investigators say the SUV crossed the cable barrier in the median and entered the southbound lanes, where it struck another vehicle head-on.
Both vehicles were traveling at freeway speeds, with the posted speed limit in the area set at 75 miles per hour. The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
“There was one occupant in each vehicle, and unfortunately, both were pronounced dead at the scene,” Sgt. Gurney said.
Emergency crews responded quickly, but the severity of the crash left no chance for survival. The names of the victims have not been released, pending notification of their families.
The incident remains under investigation as officials work to determine what caused the SUV to veer across the median. Southbound lanes of I-15 were temporarily closed during the investigation and cleanup.
This marks yet another fatal incident on Utah highways as authorities continue to urge drivers to remain alert and cautious, particularly at high speeds.