‘It’s heartbreaking’: Community reacts after 13-year-old killed in crash, speak on road safety concerns

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4) — A community is reeling after a 13-year-old boy was killed and other members of his family were injured in a crash on Pony Express Parkway. On Thursday evening, a semi-truck collided with a passenger vehicle inside the intersection of Pony Express Parkway and Mountain View Corridor in Saratoga Springs. The passenger vehicle had five occupants, including four juveniles and their mother. Following the crash, the mother was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition. Two of the juveniles, a 13-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl were transported to the hospital by ambulance. Police have since confirmed that the 13-year-old boy died from his injuries. The other two juveniles and other driver were uninjured. At this time, police have not identified any of the involved parties. Today, ABC4.com spoke with local residents who are shocked at the tragedy and have concerns that it's just a matter of time before something like this happens again. One resident, Jasmine Mullins, stated, "I have a 13-year-old as well and just thinking about that could have been my neighbor's family or my family in a minivan driving. It's heartbreaking." "It's scary and it's just sad," She added, noting that she is concerned about her kids. "I just want to drive around and know I'm safe...Because I'm a mom and think about my kids and my family." Ai Mecham, another resident, said "It's just a really sad thing to hear." According to Mullins and Mecham, this isn't the first accident they've seen at this intersection, in addition to plenty of close calls. "Especially that intersection there, because it's so wide, sometimes people are going really fast and try to run through the yellow light, so sometimes that space is really dangerous, it's a really close call," Mecham stated. Mullins added, "It is a concern to me, I hope it gets better as the years go, but it's definitely a concern, I just try to do my due diligence and drive the best that I can." This fatal accident is still under investigation, and police have not stated what, if any, factors contributed to the crash. However, Saratoga Springs ranks second in Utah for most traffic incidents per capita, according to a Lending Tree Study in April. ABC4.com reached out to Saratoga Springs City to see if they have heard concerns on this area and road safety. We have not heard back at this time. Courtesy: Adam Fondren//KTVX In the meantime, the community continues to mourn for the loss of the 13-year-old boy. On Thursday evening, a vigil was held in the area to honor him and to support his family.