A multi-vehicle traffic accident in North Las Vegas, Nevada, has resulted in the deaths of nine people, including four children according to authorities.
According to Alex Cuevas, a spokesperson for North Las Vegas Police, 15 individuals were involved in the accident Saturday afternoon.
According to Cuevas, a Dodge Challenger was traveling at a “high rate of speed” and ran a red light, colliding with several cars, which resulted in a “chaotic event.” There were six vehicles involved in the accident.
In a news conference on Sunday, North Las Vegas Acting Police Chief Jacqueline Gravatt said the Challenger first struck two cars in oncoming eastbound lanes, then three vehicles in a westbound lane.
A Toyota Sienna van carrying three adults and four school-aged children was one of the first vehicles struck. According to Acting Police Chief Gravatt, all of the occupants of the van were killed in the crash.
Gravatt also confirmed that the driver and a passenger in the Dodge Challenger were killed.
As of Sunday, one individual remained in the hospital in serious condition.
The investigation into the accident is still in its early stages, according to Gravatt, stating that speed is the only known cause of the crash, but investigators will also look at other factors, including reports from the coroner’s office.
A team from the National Transportation Safety Board has been sent to North Las Vegas to assist with the investigation.
North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee called the incident “an unprecedented loss of life” and there will be a long grieving process for both the families involved and the community.
North Las Vegas Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown said in a news conference on Saturday, “Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families who are experiencing a tremendous and unnecessary loss due to a careless and senseless act.”
“Car accidents are on the rise in the Las Vegas area. At Edward M Bernstein and Associates, we take these accidents seriously. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, we can help you. Call 702-996-3917.
Note: These posts are created using publicly available (secondary) sources. The information has not been independently verified. If you see any information that should be corrected, please bring it to our attention, and we will make adjustments. The photos included in these posts do not represent the actual accident scene.”