Wasatach, UT, Divers Recover Body of Driver after Rig Plunges into Reservoir

May 22, 2024
The propane vented after the rig was breached as it crashed through the guardrail, Wasatach Fire Chief Eric Hales said.

Divers have recovered the body of a driver of a propane tanker that veered off the road and plunged into Deer Creek Reservoir. 

The rig crashed about 7 p.m. Monday, but with the 12,000 gallons of propane venting divers didn't go into the water until Tuesday morning.

Wasatach Fire District Chief Eric Hales told KSL: “(The tanker) did breach as it went through the guard rail. So, it did get punctured and most of the product released to the atmosphere.”

However, part of the tank was still underwater, raising concerns that lifting the tanker from the cold water into the warmer air could lead to more gas venting from the tanker, he explained adding that the water temperature was 54. 

Hales said crews placed booms to contain and isolate the fuel that leaked into the reservoir. 

About the Author

Firehouse.com News

Content curated and written by Firehouse editorial staff, including Susan Nicol, Steven Shaw, Peter Matthews, Ryan Baker and Rich Dzierwa.