NHP kept busy with multiple weather related crashes including 34-car pileup

The weather on Thursday, February 22 kept local law enforcement busy with collisions and stranded motorists on local roadways, During the afternoon hours alone, the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) responded to a 19-vehicle crash and a 34-vehicle crash.

At 2:00 p.m., NHP troppers responded to eastbound Interstate 80 about four miles east of Sparks to a call of a four vehicle and one tractor/trailer crash. Upon arrival they found that 19 vehicles were involved, including several tractor trailers with both lanes blocked. 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 2:00 p.m. until approximately 5:45 p.m.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., NHP troopers responded to reports of multiple vehicles involved in crashes on Interstate 580 northbound 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 that 34 vehicles were involved in the crash including two NHP vehicles. The crash blocked all northbound lanes of Interstate 580 from approximately 4:00 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, 4 people involved were transported to area hospitals.

"The Nevada Highway Patrol would like to thank all of the first responders who provided assistance during this 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," said the NHP in a press release.

NHP is reminding motorists to reduce their speeds, increase following distances and drive with extreme caution during inclement weather.