Rollover accident near Death Valley Junction sends three to area hospitals

Two rollover crashes and reports of a woman setting fires in the desert rounded out the weekend service calls for Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Services.

Fire Chief Scott Lewis said a rollover crash near Death Valley Junction on Sunday precipitated a mutual-aid response from several area agencies.

The extent of injuries to the occupants of the vehicle is unclear.

“On Sunday, we were dispatched to California on Highway 190, at approximately mile marker 126, with one person partially ejected and up to three injured,” he said. “Upon arrival we found that park rangers were managing the motor vehicle accident. All occupants were pulled from the vehicle and all three were transported by ground to our local hospital.”

Lewis said a multi-agency contingency assisted at the scene, including Amargosa Valley and Nye County Emergency Services crews.

“We have been responding in Amargosa Valley and offered assistance on any training requirements and we are currently working out all of the details with that,” he said. “We have a commitment to our mutual-aid partners and our neighbors and we will be exercising it appropriately.”

On Friday just after 9 p.m., fire crews were dispatched to the area of Bell Vista Avenue and Ash Meadows for a one-vehicle rollover accident.

Though the driver of the car sustained injuries, they refused medical transport to the hospital.

One day prior, Lewis said crews were summoned to a fireworks retailer in town after employees called to report a structure fire at the business.

“It was not actually a fire, but it was smoke from a diesel engine which was mistaken for smoke from the building,” he said. “A full contingency responded and the investigation revealed that it was smoke from a diesel engine that was mistaken for smoke from the building. We call that a good-intent call.”

Later Thursday evening, fire crews responded to the area of Harris Farm Road and Lola Lane for reports of a rubbish fire in the desert.

“Several witnesses reported seeing a woman walking a dog and lighting fires in the desert,” he said. “Crews responded and found two small rubbish fires, which were easily extinguished, but they were unable to locate the party that was reported to have been setting the fires.”

Lewis also cautioned residents to be prepared for this weekend’s annual Baker to Vegas run on Saturday.

“We could expect delays on Saturday, starting probably mid-afternoon,” he said. “We expect the first group of runners arriving in the valley around 3:45 p.m., which is about an hour earlier than usual. We expect peak periods around 5 p.m. throughout 8 p.m., where it should trail off.”

Lewis said area motorists should expect delays during their commute throughout the weekend, as other agencies will combine forces during the event.

“The chase vehicles will add a lot of traffic from Highway 372 onto Highway 160, and 160 all the way into Vegas,” he cautioned. “We are providing EMS protection and of course anything that may happen as a result in our jurisdiction. We work closely with Desert View Hospital, Mercy Air and of course the sheriff’s office and Highway Patrol. Motorists can expect a lot of pedestrian and vehicular traffic during those time frames. If someone has to be somewhere, it’s best to leave early and be careful.”

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes