Driver killed after car crushed between 2 trucks on I-15 in Centerville

CENTERVILLE — A driver was killed Thursday morning on I-15 after his car was crushed between two larger vehicles.

Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Ed Michaud described it as "kind of an accordion effect."

Just after 6 a.m., a box truck traveling north on I-15 near Centerville came upon a car that was traveling at a much slower speed and reportedly did not have its lights on, Michaud said.

"Before he could react, he hit the passenger car, pushed the passenger car into a semi that was ahead of the passenger car," he said.

The impact from being sandwiched between the two larger vehicles was so severe that the male driver was killed on impact. The man's name and age were not immediately available pending notification of family members.

Neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to be factors, Michaud said.

An investigation will be conducted to determine what speeds each vehicle was traveling prior to the accident and whether the passenger vehicle was actually traveling without lights.

The accident created a huge traffic backup both northbound and southbound on I-15. The result of that was other minor accidents.

Additional details will be posted as they become available.

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