A single vehicle rollover fatally injured two passengers and injured seven others near mile post 165 on I-70 near Green River on Wednesday afternoon.
According the the Utah Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at 4:30 p.m. when a 2002 Chevy Tahoe traveling eastbound went off the roadway, overcorrected, then went down an embankment, rolling several times before coming to stop at the range fence.
“The vehicle was occupied by nine individuals and it is believed based on a passenger statement and evidence that seven of the occupants were ejected during the rollover,” the highway patrol shared. “Preliminary evidence shows some seatbelt usage, but it appears that there were more occupants in the seats than seatbelts present.”
Two occupants, Maria Gonzalez, 23, and Victor Perez, 7, both from Long Beach, California, were killed in the incident while seven others were transported from the scene for medical care in various condition. The seven transported included Victoriano J Perez, age 25, Angel Perez, age 1, Ivan Perez, age 2, Adrian Perez, age 3, Monica Perez, age 30, Jose Perez, age 8, and Aileen Perez, age 3, all from Long Beach, California.
“One occupant was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado by helicopter,” shared the Utah Highway Patrol. “Five of the occupants went to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction by ground ambulance. One other occupant was flown by helicopter to Castle View Hospital in Price, Utah.”
Reports state that weather did not appear to be a factor in the incident and speeds have not been determined. There was also no evidence of alcohol or drug impairment.