Heavy snow collapses carport on 14 vehicles, downs power lines

WEST JORDAN, Utah — A carport roof collapsed on at least 14 cars after heavy snowfall New Year’s Day.

Battalion Chief of West Jordan Fire Department Jared Price said the carport caved in due to heavy snow piled on top, damaging several cars near 3375 W., 7800 South in West Jordan.

No one was injured, but Price estimates at least 11 cars have severe damage from the collapse.

Kevin Martinez lives at the Broadmoor Village Apartments where the collapse happened.

“When I see this, I’m just like, this should not happen,” Martinez said. “We should be prepared for it, but what can you do?”

His car was parked in the middle of the stall, where one post remained standing, leaving his car untouched.

“That’s a huge relief because that’s currently our only vehicle right now because I recently sold mine,” Martinez said. “Seeing it’s still driveable, that’s really good for us, especially In this weather because we need to get places.”

Broadmoor Village Apartments management said they had no comment on the matter.

The collapse happened during a series of winter storm and weather advisories from the National Weather Service.

A West Jordan woman lost power Sunday morning after a snow-covered line outside her house fell.

“I was watching football, and I heard this really loud boom and then my power went out, and I went to the window and I saw the wire hanging across my fence,” Julie Poll said.

She said she saw the wire fall on top of a man’s car parked on the street.

“I think he was backing out when it just fell on his vehicle,” Poll said.

She said the driver moved his car forward and backward, and she remembered the wire being draped across his back windshield wipers.

“He just got out and I was like ‘No, don’t touch that!’ He just really gingerly picked it up and then I saw him walk that way with it,” Poll said.

She called 911, but said she didn’t see him get electrocuted.

Poll said she will stay away from the wires.

The heavy snow caused issues across Utah.

Little Cottonwood Canyon remains closed due to avalanche danger.

The winter weather advisories cover most of the state, with winter storm warnings in major areas across the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back, causing snowy driving conditions on roads and highways.

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” NWS said. “All mountain routes will see winter driving conditions. Traction laws have been enacted in some locations. The heavy, wet snow has the potential to cause damage to trees and power lines.”

You can see more about winter road conditions from the Utah Department of Transportation or you can call 511.