This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah Highway Patrol was looking Friday for a hit-and-run suspect after the driver of a crashed semi-trailer rig was struck while walking on Interstate 80 in Salt Lake City.
Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Todd Johnson said the driver was in critical condition at Intermountain Medical Center following the 6:30 a.m. incident.
The semi, hauling two crude oil tankers, crashed into a concrete barrier wall on the eastbound I-80 connector ramp to southbound Interstate 15, near 600 South.
"UHP investigators believe that the driver of the semi exited the truck after the crash and then walked west behind the crash scene, possibly to warn other motorists, and was then hit by a vehicle," Johnson said.
Troopers found the driver, who was not identified, lying unconscious on the left shoulder with injuries "consistent with having been involved in an auto-pedestrian crash," Johnson said.
"The vehicle … did not stop at the scene, and there has been no contact from anyone stating they were involved in this incident," Johnson added.
None of the fuel from the tankers leaked.
UHP closed the eastbound I-80 connector to the 600 South off ramp and southbound I-15, diverting motorists to the 600 North exit to access I-15 and Salt Lake City into late Friday morning.
Anyone with information about the vehicle that struck the victim is urged to call UHP dispatchers at 801-887-3800.
Twitter: @remims