Traffic is being diverted onto both shoulders of Highway 395 after a three-vehicle fatal accident south of Gardnerville.
The driver of a southbound yellow van was killed 11:14 a.m. after he crossed the centerline into the path of Silver Ford pickup towing a fifth-wheel trailer, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol. The accident occurred near Simee Dimeh summit about 10 miles north of the California state line.
The northbound truck's trailer broke loose and swung around hitting a white Ford truck also southbound on the highway.
NHP Trooper Dan Lopez said the driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the silver truck was transported to Renown Medical Center by Care Flight helicopter with moderate injuries. A female passenger in the pickup sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The couple in the white pickup were also treated at the scene.
The identity of the van driver is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Witnesses to the event or anyone with additional information are encouraged to call the Department of Public Safety-Communications Center at (775) 687-0400 regarding case No. NHP 1107270862.
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Update: 1:08 p.m.
Highway 395 near Simee Dimeh summit will be closed until 3:20 p.m., while Nevada Highway Patrol troopers work on a three-vehicle accident south of Gardnerville.
Reports from the scene are that the accident involves a moving van, a compact pickup and a full-sized pickup towing a fifth-wheel.
It occurred just below the summit and traffic's backed up down the grade for more nearly two miles.
At least one person was killed as the result of the accident, which may have involved one of the vehicles crossing the centerline.
CareFlight Ambulance landed near the scene of the accident and transported one of the injured
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Units are responding to a three-vehicle accident on Highway 395 south of Gardnerville south of Pine View Estates close to Leviathan Mine Road.
At least one person is confirmed dead at the scene.
Care Flight is responding to the scene for at least three patients.
Initial reports are that at least one semi-truck is involved. 395 is closed heading both directions
