Driver killed Tuesday night on Foothill Road

The driver of a sport utility vehicle was killed after he lost control of the vehicle and it left Foothill Road at about 8:29 p.m. Tuesday night.

The accident occurred when the vehicle left the right road edge and then skidded back on the road, struck a ditch, according to Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Kim Vine. The vehicle corkscrewed through the air hitting a horse trailer with its roof, and throwing the driver an estimated 80 feet. The vehicle landed on its wheels, and then caught fire.

The victim is believed to be a 56-year-old Gardnerville resident, according to Trooper Chuck Allen.

Foothill Road is closed as Nevada Highway Patrol's Major Accident Investigation Team investigates the accident.

Douglas County Sheriff's deputies and East Fork Fire units were first on scene.

Vine said the driver was the only occupant of the vehicle.