Crashed trash truck clogs Spaghetti Bowl

Jace Radke

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999 | 10:44 a.m.

A Silver State Disposal tractor-trailer that overturned and trapped the driver in the Spaghetti Bowl also closed a section of the interchange to traffic for more than five hours Monday.

The truck, which was hauling garbage, overturned on the west shoulder of the U.S. 95 off-ramp to northbound Interstate 15 about 4 p.m. Monday, Las Vegas Fire Department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

The ramp reopened around 9:30 p.m., according to Nevada Highway Patrol spokesman Scott Flabi.

When the truck rolled onto its side, the driver's leg became trapped under the dash and rescuers had to use an extrication device and a tow truck to free him.

The unidentified man was listed in fair condition at University Medical Center this morning.

"We used the tow truck to shift some of the weight off the cab, and the Jaws of Life were used to cut him free," Szymanski said.

It took rescuers about a half-hour to get the man out of the cab and on his way to UMC. He suffered a contusion, a cut arm and a possible fractured leg.

"When we are conducting a rescue, the first we do is set up and maintain life support," Szymanski said. "Sometimes speed is not of the essence, and maintaining life support is the first priority."

The NHP is still investigating the accident, but high speed does appear to be a factor, Flabi said.

The wreck effectively shut down traffic on the ramp during rush hour as the accident was investigated and cleaned up.