AMERICAN FORK — Traffic was diverted off southbound I-15 Monday morning in Utah County after an accident left a car flipped over in the HOV lane.

A husband and wife from St. George, both in their 70s, were driving a Mazda 626 in the HOV lane when they rear-ended a vehicle that swerved in front of them to avoid cars stopping abruptly ahead, according to Utah Highway Patrol trooper Cameron Roden. The couple was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem.

The driver of the other car was not seriously hurt and was cited for improper lane travel, Roden said.

A helicopter was brought in, completely blocking traffic, but it was not needed, he said.

The accident happened about 8 a.m. a half-mile north of Exit 275. Traffic was detoured through American Fork on 500 East, Roden said.

The wrecked cars have been moved to the shoulder, and all lanes were open by 9 a.m., but traffic was still backed up significantly afterward, he said.

— Paul Koepp