Crash in Orem sends 2 to hospital

OREM — Police believe excessive speed may be the factor in a crash that sent two men to the hospital Tuesday.

Just after noon, a man driving a Honda was traveling west on University Parkway in Orem when he came to the intersection of 200 East and had a green light, said Orem Police Lt. Doug Edwards.

Witnesses say the man was traveling somewhere between 60 and 70 mph, Edwards said.

A Pontiac turned left in front of the Honda, perhaps underestimating the speed of the Honda and was t-boned, Edwards said.

The impact smashed in the passenger side nearly three feet.

"It certainly would have killed a passenger had they been there," Edwards said.

After impact, the Pontiac also ricocheted into several cars parked in the nearby Ken Garff car dealership on the corner, damaging them.

The driver of the Honda was seriously injured and paramedics rushed the man to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center by ambulance, not waiting for the medical helicopter, Edwards said.

The driver of the Pontiac was flown to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Edwards said.

Both men are in very serious condition, Edwards said. Their names and ages have not yet been released.

Officials closed the strip of road on 200 East between 1200 South and University Parkway for the helicopter to land.

Traffic was also narrowed to one westbound lane on University Parkway as crews investigated and cleaned up, Edwards said.

— Sara Israelsen-Hartley