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CHARLESTON, Wasatch County — The missing driver of a semitruck hauling propane that crashed into Deer Creek Reservoir has been found deceased inside the cab.
Officials on Wednesday identified Richard Bowman, 62, of Torrey, as the man killed in the accident.
The rollover happened about 7:15 p.m. Monday near Charleston, south of Heber City. Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Cameron Roden said a semitruck was heading south on state Route 189 when it lost control, jackknifed, then hit the guardrail and went into the reservoir.
The cab of the truck was submerged with the trailer sticking partway out of the water, police said.
"Initially, the driver of the truck could not be located. The cab of the truck was submerged and the trailer was partially submerged," according to a statement from the Utah Department of Public Safety. "Once (hazardous materials) teams felt that it was safe, equipment was brought in to remove the semi from the reservoir."
Tuesday morning, search crews were able pull the submerged cab out of the reservoir.
"The adult male driver of the semi was later located deceased inside the cab of the truck as it was brought back up onto the roadway," the department said.
UHP troopers reported the tank hauling the propane was ruptured during the crash, releasing the gas into the air. State Route 189 has remained closed in both directions since the crash while the trailer continues to vent off the gas.
The road was reopened Tuesday night just after 6 p.m. The investigation into what caused the driver to lose control was ongoing Tuesday.
US-189 is closed for propane tanker recovery that went into Deer Creek Reservoir near SR-113 in Charleston. Please use detours. We anticipate several hours for recovery and cleanup. pic.twitter.com/3YMglb490J
— UDOT Region Three (@UDOTRegionthree) May 21, 2024
