Salt Lake County officials announced that eastbound traffic on Interstate 80 was shut down at the mouth of Parleys Canyon on Friday night after a semitruck lost control, crashed and fell more than 50 feet into the canyon. The incident occurred shortly after sunset, prompting an immediate response from local emergency services.
Road closure and detour information
Drivers traveling east on I‑80 were directed to use alternate routes. The closure also blocks westbound I‑80 traffic from accessing southbound I‑215, southbound Foothill Drive, and northbound I‑215 to eastbound I‑80. Signage and portable traffic controllers have been placed at the affected interchanges to guide motorists to safer detours.
Rescue effort underway
First‑responders from the Salt Lake County Fire Department, Utah State Police and local EMS units arrived on scene within minutes. Crews are currently working to extricate at least one, possibly two, individuals they believe to be seriously injured. Heavy equipment, including winches and rescue cranes, is being used to stabilize the wreckage and safely lower the occupants.
Because the canyon’s steep terrain makes access difficult, the operation is proceeding with caution. Officials have not released a definitive casualty count, but they emphasized that the victims are receiving medical attention at nearby hospitals.
Impact on commuters
The sudden closure caused significant delays for commuters heading toward the Wasatch Front. Traffic reports indicated backups extending several miles on both sides of the closure. Drivers were advised to check real‑time traffic apps and local radio updates before attempting to travel the corridor.
Local businesses along the I‑80 corridor reported a temporary dip in customer flow, but most expressed confidence that the disruption will be short‑lived once the roadway is cleared.
What to expect next
Authorities expect the road to reopen once the wreckage is removed and the canyon floor is inspected for any structural damage. In the meantime, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will continue to monitor the site and provide updates through its website and social‑media channels.
Motorists are urged to remain patient, follow detour signs, and avoid the Parleys Canyon area until officials declare the highway safe for travel. For the latest information, residents can follow the Salt Lake County Emergency Management Twitter feed or tune in to local news outlets.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
