A two-car accident near Cave Rock on Highway 50 sent six people to the hospital on Thursday, with weather playing a role in emergency crews' response to the scene.
First responders to the 2:30 p.m. accident requested airlifts to Reno's Washoe Medical Center for at least two of the victims, but heavy snow over the Sierra prohibited helicopters from flying.
All six victims were transported by ambulance to Barton Memorial Hospital.
Their conditions - from minor to moderate injures - are not believed to be life-threatening, said Nevada Highway Patrol Sgt. Al Alessandra.
Icy road conditions played a role in the accident, when the driver of a Dodge van traveling in the eastbound lane lost control as he rounded a curve. He spun into the westbound lane and the rear of the vehicle struck the another vehicle head-on.
"The (Dodge van) driver was going too fast for the conditions and lost control," Alessandra said, adding that the van did have chains, but that the road had a mixture of both ice and slush.
Alcohol does not appear to be a factor. The names and hometowns of the victims have not been released.
The accident snarled traffic in both lanes, closing Highway 50 for about an hour.
Meanwhile, South Lake Tahoe police dispatch was busy Wednesday and Thursday with minor accident calls. Most of the accidents were fender benders and none were serious.
Highway 50 was closed for about 45 minutes Thursday near Sierra-at-Tahoe after four cars collided. There were no injuries, reported California Highway Patrol officer Wayne Tillman.
