Key Takeaways:

• An 18-year-old woman was impaled by a concrete stake in a freak accident on US-189.
• The incident caused major traffic closures in Provo Canyon.
• Utah Highway Patrol is seeking information about the origin of the debris.

On September 8, 2025, a routine drive through Provo Canyon turned catastrophic when a concrete form stake penetrated the windshield of a northbound Toyota Corolla. The stake, which came over the concrete barrier near milepost 18 on US-189, struck the vehicle's hood before impaling the 18-year-old female passenger in the chest.

The Utah Department of Public Safety reported that the origin of the stake remains unclear. Investigators are uncertain whether it was lost from a preceding vehicle or if it was existing road debris that was propelled into the air. This uncertainty has prompted the Utah Highway Patrol to appeal for public assistance in their investigation.

The severity of the incident necessitated an immediate response from emergency services. While Life Flight was initially called to the scene, the victim was ultimately transported by ground to a local hospital. She was reported to be in serious to critical condition.

The accident caused significant disruption to traffic flow in the area. Both eastbound and westbound lanes of US-189/Provo Canyon were closed at milepost 18, just west of Deer Creek Dam. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) advised drivers to seek alternate routes or prepare for substantial delays.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the non-emergency Summit County Dispatch line at 435-615-3600. The Utah Highway Patrol is particularly interested in details that could shed light on the origin of the debris.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road hazards and the importance of vigilance while driving. It also highlights the critical role that public information can play in assisting law enforcement investigations.

As the community awaits further updates on the victim's condition and the progress of the investigation, this event underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve road safety and prevent such tragic accidents in the future.