PNS 11: accident

Posted April 17, 2008 11:00 p.m. MT

Tragic Accident Claims Four Lives

Tremonton, UT- Around 4 p.m. today, a van carrying at least eight Utah State University students rolled on Interstate 84 just west of Tremonton. The vehicle was carrying students and an instructor back from a field trip in association with Utah State University’s agriculture week.
Trooper Jason Jensen of the Utah Highway Patrol was the first law enforcement official to arrive on the scene. In his 15 years of experience, he said: "This is by far the worst accident I’ve ever seen…this is something that will affect people for years". Jensen said at least four were dead on the scene.

Eyewitness, Kyle Holden, was with the students on this field trip and was driving a vehicle right next to the van. He watched as the driver’s side rear tire blew and Evan Parker, the driver of the van, lost control. Parker was not able to get back on the freeway and eventually the van rolled. Holden said people were being shot out of the van.

Dean of the College of Agriculture, Noel Cockett, said this was an exceptional group of students. Robert Peterson and Jared Nelson are in the hospital in serious condition. The names of the two other survivors are not being released at this time. Evan Parker, Steven Bair, Curt Madsen and Brad Wilcox were all pronounced dead on the scene. Events for Ag week are being canceled in order to hold memorial services for these individuals.