Construction zone accident sends 5 to hospital

A four-vehicle crash on Highway 50A sent five people to the hospital Monday morning and backed up traffic in both directions.

The crash occurred at 11:20 a.m. immediately west of the intersection of Highway 50A and Farm District Road in a construction zone. Westbound traffic was diverted down Farm District Road.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, a Freightliner tractor trailer driven by Jose Garcia of Garden Grove, Calif., struck the rear of a 1990 Accura sedan, driven by Angelina Perry of Fallon, and caused it to rotate clockwise.

The tractor trailer continued traveling east and struck a 1992 Ford van driven by Treion Rees of Fernley. The Ford van was pushed into the rear of a 1996 Chevrolet van driven by Douglas Martin of Fallon.

NHP Trooper Joe Winchester said all drivers and passengers involved were wearing seat belts with the exception of a passenger in the tractor trailer. He said Miguel Sanchez of Stranton, Calif., was probably in the sleeper berth of the tractor trailer but sustained no injuries.

Garcia, Perry and Martin were transported to Washoe Medical Center by Fernley ambulance. Alana Beech of Fallon, a passenger in the Ford van, and Barbara Martin, a passenger in the Chevrolet van, were also transported to Washoe Medical Center.

Winchester said alcohol is not a factor in the crash.

Winchester cautions drivers on Highway 50A to be alert.

"That area is an active construction zone with significant traffic delays. Be prepared for intermittent stops and always wear seat belts," he said.

• Reporter Christy Lattin can be contacted at clattin@lahontanvalleynews.com