Vehicle partially submerged in a canal along SR-218, Nov. 16, 2023. (Photo: Will Feelright)
AMALGA — A 54-year-old Newton woman was killed Thursday, in a single vehicle crash west of Smithfield. The accident was reported just around 2:30 p.m. along SR-218, between Amalga and Newton.
Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Cade Brenchley said the woman was driving a green Toyota RAV4 eastbound near 3000 West SR-218, when she went off the roadway.
“For an unknown reason, (the driver) drifted off the road to the right and ended up taking out a power pole,” said Brenchley. “The impact spun the car around, before landing upside down in a nearby canal.”
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
A man, who was working nearby, was the only witness of the accident and immediately called 911.
Brenchley said there was several feet of water in the canal. The car was found partially submerged when paramedics from the Smithfield City Fire Department arrived on scene.
“We ended up having to use a Rocky Mountain Power truck to move the power lines to give emergency crews some space to be able to get to her. Paramedics were able to extricate her but she was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The woman was the only occupant in the vehicle. Her identity isn’t being released, pending notification of family.
Brenchley said initial evidence does not suggest impairment was a factor in the crash but an investigation has been initiated.
“We’re not exactly sure what caused her to go off the road, if she was distracted, if she fell asleep or if she had a medical episode.”
Troopers closed a section of SR-218 while crews investigated the crash and removed the car from the canal.