Reno Man Involved in Tanker Truck Crash in Tahoe

Courtesy of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) says crews were dispatched to a fire in South Lake Tahoe near Elks Club Drive.

Officials are reporting that the cause of the fire was a multi-car crash involving a tanker truck. The tanker overturned in this crash and exploded.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) says the tanker was hauling 8,400 gallons of gasoline.

They say the tanker was traveling eastbound on U.S.-50 approaching Elks Club Drive going 50 miles an hour. As the big rig came to an intersection, a Toyota Prius driven by a Reno man merged from Elks Club Drive onto U.S.-50 in front of the tanker. The driver of the tanker braked and swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid the Prius, but was unable to and collided into its left side.

CHP says the tanker rolled onto its left side and slide across U.S.-50. It then crashed into a section of metal guardrail/bridge rail where one of the gasoline tanks became compromised and leak fuel. A fire ignited and the tanker became fully engulfed in flames. The driver of the tanker was unable to escape the truck and was found dead after the fire was put out.

They say the crash caused the Prius to slide off the road and down an embankment where it came to a rest. The driver of the Prius was able to exit the vehicle, but was transported to the hospital due to his injuries. He suffered a broken femur.

Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this crash.

CHP says some spilled into the Truckee River and HAZMAT crews have been called in.

They say that the fire is suppressed. Lake Valley Fire Protection District was the first on scene and took over.