ST. GEORGE, Washington County, Utah, Oct. 23, 2026 — Two drivers were hospitalized with serious injuries after a wrong-way crash shut down northbound Interstate 15 near Washington Parkway Thursday night, October 22, the Utah Highway Patrol said.
A 31-year-old man driving a Buick Rainier was headed south on I-15 when he crossed into northbound lanes near milepost 13, according to UHP Lieutenant Zach Randall. The Buick crossed the median and hit a northbound Toyota Tacoma head-on in the inside lane. The Buick then sideswiped a fuel tanker traveling in a nearby lane.
The tanker driver was not injured. The Buick's driver was listed in serious condition and the Tacoma's driver, a 51-year-old woman, was listed in very serious condition after both were taken to a hospital. All three northbound lanes were blocked following the crash, backing up traffic for miles from Washington Parkway back toward St. George.
Northbound traffic was routed off the highway and back on to keep vehicles moving while crews worked the scene, witnesses reported.
The wrong-way crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for St. George, UT
The crash was reported at Interstate 15 and Washington Parkway in St. George. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Washington County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid a wrong-way collision?
Staying alert for highway signage, avoiding off-ramps that look like on-ramps, and never driving after drinking or when overly tired all reduce the chance of entering traffic the wrong way.
How do highways try to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many interstates use lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement arrows, and in some areas sensors that alert highway patrol when a vehicle enters against traffic flow.
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Impairment is a common factor in wrong-way crashes nationally, though it has not been confirmed as a cause in this incident.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in St. George, Utah
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and stay as far from traffic lanes as safely possible. Even if injuries seem minor at first, get checked by a medical provider, since impact injuries from head-on collisions can take hours to show symptoms. Keep any photos, witness contact information, and the responding agency's report number, since these details help when working with insurance companies afterward. Give yourself time to recover both physically and emotionally. A crash like this is frightening even when injuries are not life-threatening, and St. George residents affected by highway collisions can lean on local medical and support resources while they heal.
