UPDATE 12:36PM: Alcohol is believed to be a factor in a deadly two-car crash on Highway 50 in Carson City early Sunday morning in which a driver was going the wrong way, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol. Two people died and one remains in critical condition.
The preliminary crash investigation details indicate a blue Nissan Altima, driven by 34-year-old Jason W. Cloutier of Carson City, was traveling the wrong way, or east, in the left westbound travel lane of Highway 50, said NHP Trooper Barbara Stapleton.
For an unknown reason the driver of Nissan’s vehicle struck the front of white Ford Taurus head-on. The Nissan Altima was occupied by two and the female passenger died. The driver of the Nissan was transported via care flight to Renown with critical injuries. The driver of the Taurus, a male, also died.
The westbound and eastbound travel lanes of US50 were closed for approximately 5 hours. At approximately 8:28 a.m. all travel lanes were opened.
The names of the deceased will be released as soon as the Washoe County Coroner’s office has made notification to next of kin. It is believed that alcohol is a factor in this accident.
Trooper Chris Kelly of the Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating this accident. Witnesses or anyone with additional information are encouraged to contact him at (775) 689-4661 or ckelly@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP- 130602135
***
Two people died early Sunday morning in a fiery head-on crash at Highway 50 east of Centennial Drive in Carson City, the Nevada Highway Patrol confirms. A 34-year-old Carson City man was flown to Renown Medical Center in Reno and is in critical condition.
The crash was reported at 3:28 a.m. According to NHP Trooper Barbara Stapleton, a Nissan Altima traveling eastbound on Highway 50 was in the westbound lane when it collided head on with a Ford Taurus, which engulfed into flames.
The driver of the Taurus, a male, died in the crash. A female passenger in the Nissan Altima died at the scene. Both victims have not been identified by NHP.
The driver of the Altima was taken by Care Flight and is critical condition. The driver is identified as Jason William Cloutier, 34, of Carson City. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash.
Highway 50 has been re-opened after being shut down for more than five hours. The crash remains under investigation. If anyone has information regarding the crash they should call NHP Dispatch at (775) 687-0400.