ST. GEORGE — Three cars collided in the Little Valley area on River Road Wednesday, but differing stories left officers without a way to know for sure who was responsible for the crash.
Front of Nissan Altima is crushed against a Jeep Wrangler after a three-car collision at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive, St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
The crash occurred just after noon at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive. The drivers were the only individuals in each vehicle, and there were no injuries other than one driver complaining about minor soreness, police said.
While the street signs say Quarry Ridge Drive, it is also listed on maps as Horseman Park Drive. Cones closed off Quarry Ridge from Knolls Drive.
St. George Police Officer Ean Williams said the how of the crash is certain, but the why is unclear because the drivers of the first two cars that collided had differing accounts.
“We’re not going to issue a citation without at least enough probable cause to do that,” Williams said. “When you have two differing accounts, we just can’t do that because we don’t want to cite the wrong person. That’s why we really like if witnesses remain on scene because they are basically considered an independent third party.”
Williams said a white Nissan Altima sedan was traveling north on River Road and going through the intersection. A black Mazda CX-9 sports utility vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction and the driver was making a left to Quarry Ridge.
The Altima hit the SUV on the passenger side, Williams said, and the Mazda spun 180 degrees. The Altima then continued on and crashed into the driver’s side of a black Jeep Wrangler in the right-turn lane of Quarry Ridge.
A Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Altima and Mazda CX-9 sit in succession at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive after a three-car collision, St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
From there, Williams said, the drivers’ recollections differ.
“The account of the Mazda driver was that he made his left turn after the light had turned red and alleges that the Nissan driver went against the light. The Nissan driver’s account is opposite of that,” Williams said. “ She said that she had the yellow light when she entered the intersection and he turned left in front of her.
The front hood of the Altima was folded on the side of the Jeep, which had more superficial damage on the driver’s side. The passenger side of the Mazda was smashed. All three vehicles had to be towed from the scene.
The St. George Fire Department assisted with the cleanup.
This report is based on information provided by law enforcement and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Photo Gallery
A Mazda CX-9, Nissan Altima and Jeep Wrangler sit in succession at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive after a three-car collision, St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
Debris from a vehicle sits on the sidewalk after a three-car collision at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive, St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
Cones close off Quarry Ridge Drive after a three-car collision at the corner of River Road, St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
A Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Altima and Mazda CX-9 sit in succession at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive after a three-car collision, St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
Aftermath seen after a three-car collision at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive , St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
Mazda CX-9 is towed after a three-car collision at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive , St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
Nissan Altima is towed after a three-car collision at the corner of River Road and Quarry Ridge Drive , St. George, Utah, March 20, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News
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