Another Tragic Accident at “That” Intersection

Staff report — 

One motorist is dead and another suffers life-threatening injuries as a result of a harrowing crash yesterday at the intersection of Sheckler Cut-off and Highway 50 (Reno Highway).

Because of downed power lines, NHP spokesperson officer Hannah DeGoey said U.S. Highway 50 will be closed until 6 p.m. or longer. Power poles are being replaced and lines restrung over the highway before the main route to Reno will be reopened. NV Energy reports at least 2,550 customers were without power. DeGoey said the crash involved two automobiles and a dry bulk cement semi-truck/trailer, which was later determined to be empty. She said the NHP has not released the name of the deceased driver. Banner Churchill Community Hospital (BCCH) paramedics responded to the scene before Care Flight was called. Care Flight landed on U.S. Highway 50 to transport the driver of one vehicle to a Reno trauma center. DeGoey said the other driver walked away uninjured from the crash.

The Churchill County School District said Northside Early Learning Center and the transportation office were without power for most of the morning. Oasis Academy cancelled classes and Western Nevada College’s Fallon campus resumed their classes at 1 p.m. as soon as they had power. In the meantime, the NHP, along with help from the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada Department of Transportation, redirected traffic around Lucas Road.

According to DeGoey, a Multi-disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction Team (MIRT) arrived on scene to determine the exact cause of the crash, which occurred during the morning commute at about 7:37 a.m. She said one of the vehicles involved in the crash struck a gas main, and the continuation of the crash slammed into a power pole. According to a preliminary report, a mini-van was traveling west when it pulled out in front of the cement truck. The driver of the truck tried to avoid the minivan, but he hit the minivan and then a sedan.