This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Big Cottonwood Canyon was closed Thursday night after a two-car collision injured three people, with one in critical condition.
Responders believe alcohol was involved in the crash, which occurred roughly one mile up the canyon.
Police received an earlier call of a reckless driver in an SUV heading down the canyon, but officers could not find the vehicle. Around 7:30 p.m., police received calls of a crash.
The driver coming down the canyon crossed into the oncoming traffic, hitting a Ford Explorer carrying a husband and wife in their 60s, said Sgt. Justin Hoyal, Unified Police Department spokesman.
Hoyal said there was "extensive damage" to both vehicles.
The husband, who was driving the Ford, was listed as critical and taken to a hospital. His wife, who suffered minor injuries, also was taken to the hospital. The driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital in serious condition.
Gina Barker