Deadly crash involving gas tanker closes U.S. Highway 50

The victim was identified as Daniel Brown, 43, of Reno. He was employed by Berry-Hinckley Terminal Inc. of Sparks.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper James Steele estimated 5,000 gallons of unleaded and diesel fuel spilled after the truck crashed 10 miles west of Austin.

A stretch of the highway was closed after the 6:15 a.m. accident to allow cleanup crews to remove the fuel. It was expected to reopen Saturday evening.

"Diesel fuel eats up the asphalt, so they have to remove it as soon as possible," Steele said.

A detour was set up to get motorists around the accident scene.

Brown was eastbound when his truck drifted off the roadway and overturned. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Environmental experts were en route to the scene to assess the damage, Steele said.

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