Published Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 | 1:54 p.m.
Updated Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 | 6 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid suffered bruises Friday afternoon in a multivehicle accident on Interstate 15 that sent him to University Medical Center Trauma as a precaution.
"He experienced rib and hip contusions and has been cleared for release by the doctors," Reid's office said in a statement this afternoon.
Reid, 72, the Senate majority leader, was taken to UMC by his security detail as a precaution and walked in on his own, his office reported. The statement added that some of Reid's detail and a staffer also suffered minor injuries in the accident and were evaluated at UMC. The senator was wearing his seatbelt when the accident occurred, the statement said.
Reid spokeswoman Kristen Orthman, in an email at 3:48 p.m., said the senator had left the hospital.
Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremie Elliott said the accident occurred about 1:10 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-15, north of Sahara Avenue.
Trooper Loy Hixson said five vehicles were involved in the accident: two vehicles carrying Reid and members of his security detail; two Metro Police vehicles; and one civilian vehicle.
As of 6 p.m. Friday, troopers said investigation into the wreck was continuing and they would not say what led to the accident.
The right two lanes of northbound I-15 near the accident scene remained close for more than four hours Friday, until 5:30 p.m..
Reid had spoken earlier in the day at a Las Vegas ceremony celebrating the National Atomic Testing Museum, which was officially named a "national" museum Friday.
He was due to speak to the editorial board of Spanish-language newspaper El Tiempo at 2:30 p.m., according to editor Hernando Amaya.
Reid's wife, Landra, spoke at a campaign event this afternoon featuring first lady Michelle Obama before abruptly leaving as word of the accident spread at the rally.
Landra Reid and daughter, Lana, were involved in a car crash two years ago when their vehicle was rear ended by a semi-truck near Washington, D.C. Landra Reid broke her back, neck and nose, while Lana Reid hurt her neck and cut her face. Reid often refers to the crash in his speeches.
Harry Reid has been particularly active and energetic this campaign cycle. Earlier this week in Carson City, he seemed to revel in the campaign, interacting with volunteers and supporters. At a joint dinner with Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., one source described Reid as "more engaged than when he was running."
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