SALT LAKE CITY, Salt Lake County, Utah, Nov. 11, 2026 — One person died on Tuesday night, November 10, after a wrong-way crash involving a car and a garbage truck in Salt Lake City.
The crash happened near 5000 West and California Avenue, according to Lt. Tim Stumm of the Salt Lake City Police Department. Stumm said a car was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when it collided head-on with the garbage truck.
The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The garbage truck's driver was not hurt.
Investigators have not said why the car was going the wrong way, and the person killed had not been identified as of Tuesday night. The crash remains under investigation.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Local Crash Information for Salt Lake City, UT
The fatal crash was reported on California Avenue in Salt Lake City. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Salt Lake County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a wrong-way crash?
Wrong-way crashes usually happen when a driver enters an exit ramp or divided roadway going the wrong direction, usually due to impairment, confusion, or poor visibility at night.
Why are wrong-way collisions so frequently deadly?
Because the vehicles approach each other head-on at combined speed, the impact forces are much greater than in a typical rear-end or side-impact crash, making survivable outcomes less likely.
When do wrong-way crashes most commonly occur?
They are more common at night and in the early morning hours, when traffic is lighter and impaired or fatigued driving is more frequent.
What can drivers do if they see a wrong-way vehicle?
Slow down, move to the right lane, and avoid swerving sharply; drivers should also notify authorities as soon as it is safe to do so.
