A 28-year-old truck driver has been arrested in Utah after authorities discovered his two underage half-sisters locked inside a refrigerated trailer in near-freezing conditions during a two-hour journey.

The shocking incident unfolded on Wednesday, September 17th, when Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Lindon, Utah. Jacob Ortell Scott was identified as the driver of a semi-truck that rear-ended a stopped car, pushing it into multiple other vehicles in a five-car pileup.

During the crash investigation, troopers noticed “two sets of eyes” inside Scott’s trailer. Upon questioning, Scott initially acted surprised but later admitted there were children inside. Troopers discovered two girls, ages 12 and 14, in the refrigerated trailer compartment, where temperatures had dropped as low as 29.5°F.

A Chilling Discovery

According to an affidavit obtained by ABC News and CBS4, the journey had begun approximately two hours earlier in Huntington, Utah. The girls—identified as Scott’s half-sisters—had no way of exiting the trailer on their own. While the compartment contained bedding, duffel bags, and backpacks, there were no safety mechanisms to ensure their well-being.

Scott told troopers the family was traveling to Salt Lake City for school testing and to visit a pregnant sibling for chores. However, authorities emphasized that regardless of intent, the act constituted child endangerment.

UHP Lt. Clay Morgan noted, “The 12- and 14-year-old, they were scared… that they were in trouble, that their brother was in trouble, and that someone was hurt.” Fortunately, neither girl sustained physical injuries.

Arrest and Charges

Scott was arrested and charged with child abuse. He was treated at a hospital for a hand injury sustained in the crash and is currently being held without bail. The girls were released into the care of another family member following the incident.

Lt. Morgan issued a clear warning: “It’s kind of common sense that we shouldn’t be riding in the back of any type of trailer—especially one that’s enclosed and you certainly can’t get out of.”

Authorities do not believe this is a case of human trafficking, but the investigation remains ongoing.

According to ABC News, Fox 13 Salt Lake City, and KSL.