Dash-cam video released of fatal crash near Wellsville

Courtesy of the Utah Department of Public Safety.

LOGAN — The Utah Highway Patrol has released dash-cam footage of last week’s fatal crash that killed a Brigham City man and sent a Rigby, Idaho, man to the hospital. The two videos show the final moments as Marcos Torres’ Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting a semi-truck head on and bursting into flames. 

The accident occurred July 26 along US-89/91, near the mouth of Sardine Canyon. The two troopers had just initiated their lights and sirens, trying to pull Torres over when the crash occurred.

Since two troopers were involved, Logan City Police officers were asked to investigate the crash. Police Chief Gary Jensen called the videos “horrific” and said it appears the troopers did everything right.

“I don’t know UHP policy, but I watched what the Highway Patrol did and everything I saw was as I would expect to be equal to our policy,” Jensen said.

Minutes before the crash police dispatch operators had received several calls claiming that Torres was driving recklessly. He was travelling southbound near 6200 S when the crash occurred. Investigators believe he accelerated and ignored the troopers. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jensen said officers are still investigating why Torres swerved into the path of the semi. The videos show the crash occurring about 10 seconds after troopers began their pursuit.

“What can you even formulate in your mind in 10-seconds? Let alone, get a hold of your supervisor? Let alone, go through the rules in your head of is this worth it, is it not worth it? I mean 10-seconds is nothing and literally the accident just comes out of nowhere. It is just bam.”

The semi was being driven by William “Bill” Gray. He got out of his vehicle on fire and was extinguished by one of the troopers. He was transported by ambulance to Logan Regional Hospital and later flown to the University of Utah Hospital.

Gray’s family and friends have set up a <a href=”https://www.gofundme.com/BillGray” target=”_blank”>GoFundMe</a> account to raise money for him. A donation account has also been set up at all Zion’s Bank locations.

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