Accidents snarl traffic in Salt Lake County

Two big accidents on I-15 and I-215 caused big back-ups on Salt Lake County's freeways Thursday morning.

About 8 a.m., a sport utility vehicle trying to change lanes on northbound I-15 near 3300 South hit another vehicle, causing the pickup truck that was hit to lose control and flip onto its hood, said Utah Highway Patrol trooper Cameron Roden. The pickup clipped a third vehicle, also causing it to crash, he said.

The drivers of the truck and the third vehicle were taken to the hospital in non-life-threatening conditions. The driver of the SUV refused transportation to the hospital, Roden said.

All lanes of traffic were re-opened about 90 minutes later.

While that incident was happening, crews were also cleaning up an accident on I-215 near California Avenue. A belly-dump trailer lost its load of dirt and gravel on the freeway, Roden said. Traffic was restricted to one lane for at least two hours. No injuries were reported.

— Pat Reavy