A horrific accident on U.S. 95 occurred Thursday morning involving an organized cyclist outing and a box truck resulting in the death of five people and injuries to four others. A group of about 20 bicyclists were cycling a familiar route known as the Nipton Loop when tragedy struck between Boulder City and Searchlight. According to authorities, the cyclists were hit from behind by a truck that crossed into the bicycle lane.
The cyclists on a retirement ride for one of its members included an escort vehicle with flashing lights to assist with the planned 130-mile ride. About forty miles into the ride, calamity struck when a box truck collided with several of the bikers and the escort vehicle. Four men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene, and three other bikers as well as the driver of the escort vehicle were raced to hospitals in Southern Nevada. The cause of the accident is still being determined by authorities although impairment did not seem to be the cause as the driver of the box truck remained at the scene with authorities. The investigation into the incident is ongoing by Nevada Highway Patrol and State Troopers.
Benson & Bingham would like to send our condolences and support to all that were affected by the tragic accident, and to the bicycle community at large. The firm has posted many articles regarding bicycling in Nevada; in fact, just last month we published a bicycling article on safely riding in Southern and Northern Nevada environs. While experienced riders take every precaution to prevent injuries, accidents happen. Thursday’s events are the worst outcome imaginable.
