WINNEMUCCA — A local resident was killed in a nine-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 east of Fernley on Friday (Nov. 20).   According to Trooper Chuck Allen, of the Nevada Highway Patrol, Susan Carol Sakurada, 52, was killed and Donn Sakurada, 54, was injured in the collisions.  Although the investigation is still in the preliminary stages, NHP investigators believe the pickup truck with the Sakuradas crashed into the back of a semi truck.  The driver of the semi may have stopped in order to avoid another collision in front of him on the Interstate. The pickup truck with the Sakuradas was then struck from behind by another semi, according to NHP. 

According to Allen, “…strong winds and blowing dust and dirt produced very low to zero visibility conditions” at the time of the collisions.  “We believe there may be as many as four separate crashes that took place in a very short time frame ..,” Allen noted.  In total seven people were injured and one was killed.  The accidents are being investigated by troopers from the Major Accident and Investigation Team who are working to determine the chain of events leading to the pileup.

WINNEMUCCA — A five-year-old girl was seriously injured in a rollover accident on SR 140 Wednesday.  According to Sgt. Greg Johnson, of the Nevada Highway Patrol, the girl was ejected from the car during the rollover and sustained head injuries.   She was transported by ambulance to US 95 where traffic was stopped in both directions and the girl was transferred to a waiting medic helicopter.  She was transported to Reno.

The accident remains under investigation.  Johnson said it appears the two vehicles were approaching each other on SR 140 when one of the cars crossed the center line.  The drivers swerved their cars to avoid a head-on collision, the cars left the highway, and overturned.  Both drivers were transported with injuries but were treated and released, Johnson said.  Troopers are investigating whether the booster seat the girl was sitting in had been properly installed.

WINNEMUCCA — Access to I-80 was limited Monday morning after a semi-truck toppled over -- trapping a load of cows inside.  The driver of the rig wasn't hurt. Several area citizens were called to help get the spooked cows out of the semi and into another trailer. 

WINNEMUCCA — A man is recovering after a serious underground fall early Friday morning at Great Basin Gold's Hollister Mine.  The man's name was not released.  Human Resource Manager Lee Morrison said as a precaution the man was flown to Reno for a medical evaluation.  The man reportedly has some bruising, some lacerations that required stitches, and a fractured rib.  Morrison said the man's family was with him in Reno, and he was "in good spirits" Friday afternoon.

Information was limited as the accident is under investigation by MSHA.