A wrong-way driver on U.S. 95 near Indian Springs triggered a violent head-on crash Friday night that left two people dead. Both motorists were pronounced dead at the scene, and troopers shut down the northbound lanes while investigators worked through the wreckage.
Nevada Highway Patrol troopers responded to the crash on northbound U.S. 95 at mile marker 132, south of Mercury and just outside the Indian Springs community, according to FOX5. The station reports the collision involved a Scion and a Ford pickup and that both vehicles overturned, prompting detours at Indian Springs while crews worked the scene.
Victims Identified
The Clark County coroner identified the Scion driver as 23-year-old Bracken Joseph Bowler of Las Vegas and the pickup driver as 62-year-old William Watts of Indian Springs, according to 8 News Now. Police told reporters both drivers were unrestrained and were partially ejected when their vehicles overturned, and investigators say the Scion hit the front of the Ford.
Safety Concerns on U.S. 95
The deadly collision is feeding long-standing concerns about the stretches of U.S. 95 north of the Las Vegas Valley, where darkness, high speeds and even roaming burros have been tied to recent wrecks. KTNV reported that commuters and residents have been pressing for safety upgrades, and the Nevada Department of Transportation told the station it is waiting on the results of the crash investigation before commenting on any changes.
Investigation Ongoing
Nevada State Police said the Highway Patrol Southern Command has been dealing with a series of fatal crashes this year, a pattern troopers point to when urging drivers to take extra care on rural corridors, according to 8 News Now. Troopers said the wrong-way crash remains under active investigation and that more details, including whether speed or impairment played a role, will be released once forensic work is finished.
