Two major crashes in Reno area Thursday

Nevada Highway Patrol troopers responded to two major crashes involving multiple vehicles Thursday afternoon, including one on I-580 at the Galena Creek Bridge.

At about 4 p.m., troopers responded to reports of multiple vehicles involved in crashes on Interstate 580 northbound at mile marker 11 Washoe, at the Galena Creek Bridge. The chain-reaction crash began when a sedan lost control on the snow- and ice-covered roadway. Preliminary investigation shows 34 vehicles were involved in the crash including two Nevada Highway Patrol vehicles. The crash blocked all northbound lanes of Interstate 580 from approximately 4 p.m. and was reopened at approximately 7:30 p.m. Northbound traffic was routed to US-395 ALT during that time. Troopers handled 17 crashes at the scene. Per REMSA, four people involved were transported to area hospitals.

At approximately 2 p.m., troopers responded to Interstate 80 eastbound near mile marker 25, approximately four miles east of Sparks. The crash was initially reported to involve four vehicles and a tractor/trailer. Upon arrival, troopers determined there were 19 vehicles involved, including several tractor/trailers, blocking both eastbound travel lanes. Preliminary investigation shows eight people involved in the crashes were transported to area hospitals. Nevada Department of Transportation responded to the area and routed traffic to the off ramps at the Lockwood and Mustang exits to westbound Interstate 80. Eastbound Interstate 80 was closed from 2 p.m. until approximately 5:45 p.m.

The Nevada Highway Patrol would like to thank all of the first responders who provided assistance during the busy afternoon. With the assistance of local law enforcement, Fire, EMS, NDOT and countless tow companies, these crashes were able to be cleared in an expeditious manner.