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Storm blamed for car death, 2 injuries

TABIONA, Utah, July 14 (UPI) -- Heavy rains in Utah caused a road to collapse, leading to accidents that killed a teenage girl and injured her father and a woman, officials said.

The collapse of State Road 35 near Tabiona occurred late Wednesday night, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

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Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Todd Johnson said rainwater damaged the road, and a portion of the road 40 feet wide and 30 to 40 feet deep collapsed.

The SUV of Michael Barneck, 59, of Tabiona hit the mangled asphalt early Thursday morning. His daughter, Justine, 15, died from her injuries and Barneck, in serious-to-critical condition, was taken by helicopter to a Salt Lake City hospital, the Tribune reported.

A second car, driven by Heidi Paulson 37, of Whiterocks, a little later plunged into the hole. Paulson was removed from her car by rescue workers and also was flown to a Salt Lake City hospital, the Tribune said.

The Utah Highway Patrol said it could be three days before the road is repaired and reopened.

Flood risks Thursday remain high in the north and east part of the state, while the southwest corner is seeing increased wildfire danger, the National Weather Service said.

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