WELLINGTON, Carbon County — A semitrailer crashed into a popular restaurant in Wellington just off U.S. 6 Wednesday morning, destroying the building.
Amazingly, there were only minor injuries even though one of the owners was trapped in the collapsed structure.
"Currently those involved in the accident are being treated at Castleview Hospital with only minor injuries. The business involved is obviously closed," Wellington police posted on their Facebook page early Wednesday.
The crash at Los Jilbertos Mexican Food, 15 W. Main, about 6:30 a.m. caused the roof to collapse.
The restaurant was open for business at the time, but UHP Sgt. Nick Street said he did not know if there were any customers inside. When troopers arrived at the scene, the owner was waiting outside and said his wife was trapped inside.
"They called out to the (woman) who advised she was uninjured. Officers entered the collapsed building, extracting (her)," the UHP stated.
The two owners and the truck driver were taken to a local hospital to be treated for various minor injuries, Street said.
The truck was going too fast for the snowy and slushy conditions and collided with the restaurant, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. Investigators were also looking into a report that a witness also saw the semi driving erratically prior to crashing, Street said.
Online, residents reacted in disbelief as pictures of the wreckage were posted.
"They have the best breakfast burritos and the owners and staff are the nicest people! I hope they can rebuild," one woman posted on Facebook.
"Best Mexican restaurant in Carbon County! Hope everyone is OK!" wrote another.
By Wednesday afternoon, a GoFundMe link had been set up to help the beloved restaurant and its owners.
"This restaurant was the sole income for this family and they will need our help during this tragic loss! Los Jilbertos was more than just a Mexican restaurant. This place created so many lasting friendships and a sense of community," according to the fundraiser.
Wellington police said several roads were closed and power turned off as crews rummaged through the remains. Classes at nearby Wellington Elementary School were also canceled, police said.