Accident, resulting fire shuts down I-15 northbound in the gorge

A jack-knifed truck and a fire that resulted from the crash have shut down the interstate in the Virgin River Gorge.

At approximately 4 a.m. Saturday, an 18-wheeler crashed in a one-vehicle accident. Witnesses say the trailer of the vehicle was sideways across the northbound lanes of travel on the freeway, but the cab of the vehicle had tumbled part-way down the ravine. The crash happened near mile-marker 23.

Emergency workers were able to reach the vehicle and extricate the driver from the wreckage. He is reportedly in serious condition at Dixie Regional Medical Center.

The crash also started a brush fire that burned about seven acres, according to Chris Madrigal of the Arizona Bureau of Land Management. The fire has been extinguished.

However, the northbound lanes of I-15 through the gorge are still closed and will stay that way until late Saturday morning or even into the afternoon.

Officials said northbound traffic is being diverted onto Old Highway 91. I-15 southbound was closed for a time, but is currently open to all traffic.