Semi trailer comes loose in Gorge causes traffic backups

Traffic through the Virgin River gorge came to a stop yesterday afternoon after a semi-truck lost its trailer.

The accident happened on I-15 Northbound about 4 miles from the Utah State line.

According to Arizona Highway Patrol Sgt. John Bottoms, when the trailer struck the asphault, it caused sparks that in turn sparked a 27 acre brush fire.

Fire crews from Beaver/Dam Littelfield , St. George, BLM and Santa Clara responded along with a firefighting helicopter.

The loose trailer luckily stopped upright blocking lanes of travel.