St George, UT (September 1, 2025) – A devastating wrong-way collision on Interstate 15 claimed the lives of three people and left two others injured Sunday evening in southern Utah. The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) confirmed that the crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. near Exit 5, when a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction struck another head-on.
According to authorities, a woman in her 90s was driving a Cadillac sedan when she entered the northbound lanes of I-15 by traveling southbound from Exit 5. Within approximately a mile, her vehicle collided head-on with a northbound Toyota Highlander.
The impact was severe. The elderly driver of the Cadillac, who was alone in her vehicle, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Tragically, the driver and front-seat passenger of the Toyota Highlander, a woman and a man, both in their 70s, were also killed in the crash.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, including medical personnel and air rescue units. Two female passengers in the back seat of the Highlander, believed to be in their late teens to early 20s, survived the crash and were airlifted to a nearby hospital. Officials reported that their injuries were not life-threatening.
Authorities closed the affected portion of I-15 while crews worked to investigate the crash, recover the vehicles, and clear the roadway. The Utah Highway Patrol continues to examine how the wrong-way entry occurred and whether visibility or signage may have played a role.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, and we extend heartfelt hopes for the full recovery of the surviving passengers.
Wrong-Way Crashes in Utah
Sunday’s fatal wrong-way collision on I-15 highlights one of the most tragic and preventable dangers on Utah’s highways. Wrong-way crashes, while statistically rare, are disproportionately fatal due to the high-speed head-on impact that typically results from these incidents. In this case, the crash near Exit 5 led to the deaths of three individuals and serious injuries to two others, amplifying the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
Southern Utah’s stretch of I-15 serves as a vital route for both local and long-distance travelers. Unfortunately, factors such as driver confusion, age-related impairments, and unclear signage can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially when a vehicle enters a freeway in the wrong direction.
While investigators continue to analyze the circumstances behind the elderly driver’s mistaken entry, the incident underscores how age-related cognitive or visual decline can impair a person’s ability to navigate highways safely. The state has ongoing programs to assess senior driver safety, but more community awareness and family involvement are needed to reduce risks without compromising dignity.
For those who survive such traumatic events, recovery can be long and complex. From managing injuries and trauma to navigating insurance and legal matters, the aftermath of a wrong-way crash often leaves families overwhelmed and uncertain of their next steps.
Local support and access to resources are vital. Whether you are coping with the loss of a loved one or facing the challenges of physical recovery, it’s important to connect with trusted professionals who can guide you through the process and advocate for your needs.
Tragedies like this one on I-15 change lives forever. At Local Accident Reports, we’re committed to helping victims and their families find support, information, and the care they deserve. If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious crash, reach out to us today to discover the tools available to aid in your recovery and justice process.
