On Tuesday, May 20, a semi-truck crashed into a building at Emigrant Junction in Death Valley National Park. The crash, which occurred around 2:12pm, is believed to have been caused by a break malfunction. Sadly the driver was killed in the accident.
Both a dry form of sodium sulfate mined in the Searles Valley and diesel fuel from the truck spilled onto the roadway. The wreckage blocked the road at CA Highway 190 between Stovepipe Wells and Towne Pass was closed for 22 hours. The truck was destroyed.
With the help of National Park Staff, the road was reopened at approximately 11:30am on May 21st. A hazmat team began management of the spill clean-up at around 11:00pm. The truck hit the historic Emigrant Ranger Station, built in the 1930s. Though the building had not been used for several decades, it was maintained for tis history. The collision destroyed two stone columns, damaged the roof, and broke windows.
Emergency responders from the park were assisted by additional staff from California Department of Transportation, California Highway Patrol, Inyo County Coroner, and Ten West Towing. CA-190 includes long steep grades on both sides of Towne Pass, potentially leading to overheating breaks in heavy vehicles. In 2024, six commercial trucks and one 5th wheel RV caught fire below Towne Pass.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.
