Salt Lake City, UT (April 7, 2025) – A violent three-vehicle crash at the intersection of 900 West and 200 South left one person dead and another injured on Saturday evening, April 5. The collision, which occurred around 7:15 p.m., claimed the life of 42-year-old Ernesto Puga and sent a minor to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Salt Lake City Police, the driver who caused the crash, identified as 24-year-old Colby William Bia, ran a red light before T-boning Puga’s vehicle. Bia was arrested at the scene and is now facing multiple charges, including automobile homicide, three additional felonies, and four misdemeanors. Investigators said open containers of alcohol were found in his vehicle, and he exhibited clear signs of impairment. During his arrest, Bia reportedly resisted and became physically aggressive with officers. The intersection was closed for several hours as police and crash reconstruction teams processed the scene. The investigation remains active.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ernesto Puga and also hope the injured child makes a full recovery.
Fatal Car Accidents in Utah
In Utah, fatal crashes are a grim and persistent reality. Every year, hundreds of people lose their lives on the state’s roads—many due to impaired or reckless driving. Intersections are particularly high-risk locations, especially when one driver chooses to ignore traffic signals or speed through red lights. These decisions often result in devastating consequences.
Here are some key facts and reminders about fatal crashes involving impaired drivers:
- Alcohol and Drug Impairment Are Major Contributors: More than a third of all traffic fatalities in Utah involve alcohol or drugs. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty maintaining control. These effects are even more dangerous at intersections where timing and awareness are critical.
- Running Red Lights Is Deadly: Disregarding traffic signals puts every road user at risk. T-bone crashes, like the one involving Ernesto Puga, are among the most dangerous and often lead to fatal injuries—especially for drivers struck on the side of the vehicle.
- Children Are Especially Vulnerable: In collisions involving minors, injuries may not be fully visible or understood right away. The emotional trauma of witnessing or surviving a fatal crash can also leave lasting impacts.
- Criminal Charges Don’t Cover Victim Losses: While criminal justice holds offenders accountable, it doesn’t address the financial and emotional costs to victims’ families. This is where civil legal action becomes necessary, helping families recover damages for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and pain.
- Wrongful Death Claims Help Families Move Forward: If a loved one is killed due to another’s reckless behavior, Utah law allows families to pursue wrongful death claims. These legal actions can’t undo the loss—but they can ease the financial burdens and hold negligent drivers fully accountable.
If your family has been affected by a fatal crash, contact our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys. We’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for the pain, loss, and hardship you’ve endured. The sooner you act, the better protected your case will be.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we provide compassionate, skilled legal representation to families across Utah. We’ve handled wrongful death and injury cases for over three decades, working directly with clients from our offices in Provo and South Jordan. You will never pay us upfront, and we only collect if we secure compensation for you. Our rates are more affordable than most firms, and they stay consistent—even in court. If you’re seeking answers after tragedy, call (801) 500-4000 today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
