Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Woman sought in fatal three-vehicle hit-and-run that closed southbound I-15

I-15 fatal accident

Steve Marcus

Tow operators prepare to load an SUV after a fatal crash on I-15 southbound near Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. A female passenger in the SUV was ejected and killed.

Updated Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 | 10:14 a.m.

Fatal I-15 crash

Tow operators prepare to load an SUV after a fatal crash on I-15 southbound near Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. A female passenger in the SUV was ejected and killed. Launch slideshow »

Map

Interstate 15 near Blue Diamond Road has reopened following a fatal hit-and-run incident early this morning.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Fackrell said officials are searching for a woman who authorities say caused the fatal crash, then fled the scene on foot.

Fackrell said the crash happened at 2:09 a.m. when a Mercedes-Benz likely traveling at a high rate of speed rear-ended a pickup truck, causing the truck to go off the road and roll over.

The Mercedes-Benz proceeded to hit a sport utility vehicle, which rolled and ejected a female passenger. The female was taken to University Medical Center's trauma unit, where she was pronounced dead, Fackrell said.

The driver of the pickup truck also was taken to UMC, with minor injuries, he said.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Mercedes-Benz fled the scene, leaving her car behind, Fackrell said. Troopers believe she might have been picked up by another motorist.

The southbound lanes of Interstate 15 near Blue Diamond Road were shut down about 3:30 a.m. and reopened about 7:50 a.m.

The accident remains under investigation.

CORRECTION: Authorities initially reported the vehicle involved was a BMW, but later said it was a Mercedes-Benz. The story was corrected. | (January 14, 2011)

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy