by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

A semi-truck pursuit that began in Sevier County ended in flames just north of Beaver, causing the highway to be shut down for hours.

At approximately 3:25 p.m. on January 9, authorities received a report of a reckless driver in a semi-truck traveling westbound on I-70 near milepost 67, according to Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis.

A Sevier County deputy attempted to stop the truck at milepost 25, but the driver failed to yield and continued driving erratically.

“With the help of UHP, spike strips were deployed, but the truck continued southbound after reaching I-15,” Sheriff Curtis explained. The semi-truck eventually stopped about three miles north of Beaver as it began to smoke heavily from driving on its rims.

The driver exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. Shortly afterward, the truck became fully engulfed in flames, prompting the Beaver Fire Department to respond to the scene.

Road closures were implemented around 3:11 p.m. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has since reported that the incident has been cleared, though drivers should still expect delays.

No injuries were reported. Authorities are continuing their investigation, including verifying the truck’s ownership and processing other evidence. Charges against the driver are pending.

This is a breaking news story and it may be updated.