Big rig slams into Elko tow yard

Monday, Jan. 11, 1999 | 9:07 a.m.

The driver of the rig, Erneldo Leiva, 36, of Logan, Utah, was westbound in a construction zone when his truck drifted off the road Sunday afternoon, the Nevada Highway Patrol said.

Trooper Rocky Gonzalez said the big rig crossed the median and eastbound lanes of the interstate, struck and fence and crashed into another fence surrounding Lostra Brothers Towing.

The rig then mowed through 19 vehicles at the yard before coming to a stop, Gonzalez said. The truck also was damaged.

The truck driver was taken to Elko General Hospital with minor injuries. A passenger was uninjured.

The NHP blamed the crash on driver inattention, but said an investigation continued.

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