Speed monitors placed at intersection where 2 Spanish Fork teens hit
SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4) — A community has rallied to make an intersection safer after two teenage girls were struck by an SUV and hospitalized in critical condition.
The incident happened on Saturday afternoon, May 18. Witnesses told the Spanish Fork Police Department that the girls “darted out into traffic” into the path of an oncoming Kia Soul SUV at the intersection of 2300 East and Canyon Road.
Since the incident, Spanish Fork spokesperson Nick Porter told ABC4.com that speed trailers have been placed at the intersection on both the north and southbound side of Canyon Road. That decision was made during a public comment at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
UDOT spokesperson John Gleason said it was working with Spanish Fork for a more permanent solution.
Two teen girls in critical condition after being hit by SUV in Spanish Fork
“We’re going to work and try to make our transportation system as safe as it can be,” said Gleason. “We’ll continue to work with Spanish Fork on putting in this signal here at this intersection as well.”
Meanwhile, a community has been set up on Facebook rallying for the intersection to be revamped. Within two days of being created, 88 people have joined, rallying to attend the city council meeting and push for change.
Porter said the city has made an agreement with UDOT that will hopefully speed up the process. If Spanish Fork installs the traffic signal, UDOT will reimburse the costs. Porter said UDOT did not directly fund a new traffic signal before Saturday’s tragic accident.
The victims, 13-year-old Reagan and 12-year-old Olivia, still remain in the hospital in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon. A spokesperson for Regan’s family told ABC4.com she is still unconscious and in intensive care.
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“A nurse remains in the room with her 24/7 monitoring her,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We are praying for a miracle and recovery of this beautiful teenager.”
The family said they were grateful for the donations, prayers love and support from the community. While the spokesperson said he was unable to comment on Olivia’s condition he said it is similar.
GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up for both the girls to help the families with medical expenses and other financial support. The GoFundMe for Reagan can be found by clicking here while the GoFundMe for Olivia can be found here.
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