Highway closure after head on collision

By Spencer Burt

Over a mile of Highway 89-91 was closed after a head-on collision today around 5:00 p.m. 

A 24-year-old man was driving southbound when a 26-year-old woman heading northbound crossed into his lane of traffic around 2600 South, according to Logan Police Capt. Tyson Budge. An AirMed helicopter took the woman from the scene while the man was taken to Logan Regional Hospital by ambulance. There were no passengers in either car.

"They were both taken to be treated for body injuries. No head injuries were reported," Budge said. Both had to be cut out of their vehicles, but he did not know how seriously either driver was injured. "I don't know who determined to bring in the helicopter."

The collision caused the highway to be blocked off from 3200 South to the intersection of the highway and 1000 West. Drivers were diverted down these two roads. 

The initial report said both cars were on fire, according to Logan Fire Battalion Chief Doug Fullmer. "When the airbags go off, they release a powder that kind of looks like smoke," he said. He said the person who called 911 probably mistook this powdery substance for smoke. 

There was also a rumor early on that one of the drivers had passed away. Budge later said this was not true, and as of 8:30 p.m. both drivers were in surgery.

The highway was opened back up shortly before 8:00 p.m.