A significant stretch of US95 in Nye County, Nevada, remains shuttered following a collision involving two semi-trucks. The incident, which resulted in a chemical fire due to lithium batteries onboard one of the vehicles, has prompted authorities to close the highway at mile marker 13, between the Mercury turnout and SR160. According to a Nevada State Police X' post, all southbound lanes are redirecting towards SR160 to Pahrump, while northbound traffic is reversing course at Indian Springs.
#TrafficAlert #Update US95 at mile marker 13 (between Mercury and SR160) in Nye County, Nevada remains closed due to a crash involving two semi-trucks.
— Nevada State Police (@NVStatePolice) September 17, 2024
Southbound traffic is being diverted to SR160 to Pahrump. Northbound traffic is being turned around at Indian Springs.
One… pic.twitter.com/EwTJe4GAMg
Both truck operators reportedly suffered minor injuries when one of the semi-trucks caught fire. Carrying the high-risk cargo of lithium batteries, the flames have been doused. A hazmat team is making their way to the site to manage the substances leaked onto the pavement. In the meantime, Fire personnel and police officers from the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol are working in concert with the Nevada Department of Transportation and local officials to cordon off the area.
The crash has considerably disrupted traffic and the local Nevada State Police has urged motorists to avoid this stretch of US95. With the hazardous materials still to be cleared and the extensive repercussions of the crash, authorities are yet to ascertain when the highway will reopen. For those on the roads, the state police ask for patience, expect delays, and prepare for detours.
Updates will be provided as they become available. Crews are collaborating to restore normal traffic flow as swiftly as possible. Significant traffic delays are expected on this major route through Nye County.
