Helicopter Rescue After High-Speed Collision on Rural Tooele County Road

Dramatic Air Lift Follows Violent Crash Near Vernon

A man was airlifted to a trauma center after a serious two-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon on a remote stretch of road in Tooele County. The crash occurred around 1:30 PM near Mile Marker 23 on State Route 36, approximately 8 miles south of Vernon.

Chaotic Scene on the Highway

Witnesses reported seeing debris scattered across both lanes after what appeared to be a high-speed impact between a pickup truck and an SUV. Preliminary reports suggest one vehicle may have crossed the center line, though investigators haven't confirmed the exact sequence of events.

• Dust-off helicopter dispatched from Salt Lake City
• Multiple ground units responded from Tooele and Rush Valley
• One patient transported via Life Flight with critical injuries
• Secondary patient treated at scene and released

Emergency Response Challenges

The remote location created logistical difficulties for emergency crews. "When we have trauma cases out here, every minute counts," said Tooele County Sheriff's spokesperson. "The helicopter made the difference between life and death today."

Ongoing Investigation

Utah Highway Patrol has closed the roadway for several hours while accident reconstruction specialists documented the scene. Investigators will examine:

1. Vehicle telemetry data
2. Road conditions at time of crash
3. Potential contributing factors like speed or impairment

What do you think?

• Should rural highways have more safety barriers to prevent crossover collisions?
• Are helicopter rescues worth the enormous cost to taxpayers?
• Would mandated speed limiters on vehicles prevent these types of crashes?
• Is the state doing enough to maintain visibility on these remote roadways?
• Should drivers who cause serious crashes face automatic license suspension?