Massive Sandstorm Causes Highway Pileup in Utah, Killing 7 People

Several individuals were in the hospital with severe injuries following a high wind incident that blew up dust and caused low visibility. The highway patrol revealed not less than seven people lost their lives in a 20-vehicle pileup during a sandstorm in Utah.

20-vehicle Pileup Crash

In a news release, the agency said the incident took place on Sunday on Interstate 15 close to the town of Kanosh. It was reported that several people were conveyed to hospitals in severe conditions. Both air and ground ambulances were used to convey crash victims.

The highway patrol said the pileup happened when there were high winds that brought about dust or sandstorm which reduced visibility.

Five out of the seven people that lost their lives were in one vehicle, while the other two were in a different vehicle, and some children were among the dead, Highway Patrol Sgt. Cameron Rhoden revealed to KUTV in Salt Lake City.

Rhoden said: "We have vehicles all over. Several vehicles tried to swerve off the roadway. We have vehicles that are flipped up on their sides. One of the vehicles that was pulling a trailer, the trailer has pretty much completely been destroyed and is on the freeway."

The Crash Site

Photos of the crash site reveal multiple tractor trailers and several damaged vehicles belonging to passengers littering the highway, with debris littered for yards. At least one car looks like it had its passenger doors removed.

After the incident which took place just before 5 p.m., DPS shut down the road in both directions, officials said.

It was reported an intense thunderstorm occurred southeast of Kanosh around 4:30 p.m., with strong winds taking place as the storm decayed, Gene Norman, CNN Meteorologist said. A close-by report of a 51-mph wind gust was also recorded.

Victims identified

Victims' names won't be released until 24 hours following the notification of their families, the release said.

The release said: "It appears that 20 vehicles were involved in Sunday's crashes after high winds caused a sand or dust storm and impaired visibility on the roadway. The Utah Highway Patrol summoned troopers from Richfield and Beaver to assist. Multiple ground and air ambulances also responded to transport victims."

The road remained closed partially late on Sunday. Traffic was diverted around the site of the crash. Kanosh is situated around 258 kilometres (160 miles) south of Salt Lake City.

Sandstorms are violent wind storms and they usually occur in the desert. Sandstorms are capable of cropping up and staying in the Middle East for up to three months. These winds won't cause your death, but they often cause car accidents because of the sand blinding effect.

The synoptic systems that usually kick up dust storms that can persist as long as five days are summer shamals in the Persian gulf and African sirocco winds.

For more news, updates about sandstorms and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!