Passenger dies in three-vehicle crash in North Las Vegas

By Mary Manning

Published Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 | 3:32 p.m.

Updated Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 | 8:26 p.m.

The 51-year-old passenger of a burgundy Hyundai sedan died at the scene of a three-vehicle crash in North Las Vegas about 3 p.m. Monday, North Las Vegas Police said.

The Hyundai's 47-year-old driver, a North Las Vegas resident, apparently failed to yield the right of way as the sedan turned in front of a 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 tow truck driven by a 28-year-old North Las Vegas resident as it traveled west on Craig Road and Commerce Street, police said. The truck collided with the Hyundai, causing both vehicles to spin out of control and strike a 2005 gray Hyundai driven by a 56-year-old North Las Vegas resident, police said.

The passenger in the burgundy Hyundai was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical crews. Drivers of both Hyundais were taken to University Medical Center's trauma center in serious condition.

The tow truck driver suffered minor injuries, police said.

Driver error appears to be a factor, while alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, police said. Charges will be determined at the end of the investigation by the Major Crash Investigation Team, police said.

This is the fourth fatal traffic crash in North Las Vegas this year.