Fatal big-rig accident shuts Hwy. 50 for several hours

Publisher’s note: Highway 50 reopened at 11:44pm July 12.

Highway 50 leading to South Lake Tahoe is closed at Sly Park because of a fatal accident involving a big-rig.

The name of the truck driver is not being released until next of kin is notified. He was from Missouri and in his 40s.

Diesel has reported spilled across all lanes of traffic, with environmental cleanup crews called to the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is expecting the road open about 11pm.

The accident occurred about 4:40pm July 12 when the truck driver, who was headed west, apparently lost his brakes, hit a pickup and both vehicles went into the embankment, authorities report.

The extent of the pickup driver’s injuries was not available.

Traffic was being diverted onto Mormon Emigrant Trail and to Highway 88.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report