A dump truck overturned on 224 Friday afternoon, about a half mile above the Montage, blocking traffic in both directions in Empire Pass. The road was closed for more than four hours, preventing Park City traffic from accessing Guardsman Pass, a popular fall drive, during that time. The road reopened around 7 o’clock Friday night.
According to Utah Highway Patrol, the truck was traveling north on 224 down a steep grade. The truck went off the road on the right hand side. UHP says the driver apparently over-corrected to the left, which caused the truck to roll over, losing its entire load of asphalt on the road.
The cab of the truck stopped on top of a guard rail, making it difficult to get the driver out of the wreckage. Rescue workers were able to get him out about an hour and a half later. He was taken to the hospital by helicopter.
UHP says speed and drug use are being investigated as possible contributing factors in the incident.