Harry Reid’s wife suffers broken neck, back in D.C. area crash

By Lisa Mascaro

Published Thursday, March 11, 2010 | 1:40 p.m.

Updated Thursday, March 11, 2010 | 5:24 p.m.

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Sun

Sen. Harry Reid attends a dedication ceremony with his son, Key, and wife, Landra, April 9, 2009, at the John C. Kish Boys & Girls Club in Henderson.

UPDATED STORY: Harry Reid with wife at hospital; senator’s daughter released

WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's wife suffered a broken back and his daughter suffered neck injuries and facial lacerations when their car was rear-ended by a semi-truck today, hospitalizing them with injuries that doctors said weren't life-threatening, according to the senator's office.

The senator's wife, Landra, 69, and daughter, Lana Reid-Barringer, 48, were in a car on a Washington highway when their vehicle was hit from behind. Landra also suffered a broken neck and broken nose, and was listed in serious condition.

President Barack Obama called the senator tonight to check on Reid's family.

Both women are conscious and can feel their extremeties, the senator's office said. His daughter was expected to be released from the hospital tonight.

The senator was on a conference call with rural Nevada reporters when the call came at 2:15 p.m. Washington time notifying him of the crash. He left the Capitol to go to the hospital. Reid was back at the capitol this evening as health care talks continued.

Reid then returned to the hospital tonight and the initial prognosis is that Landra wouldn't need surgery, Reid's office said, "but doctors will be keeping a close eye on her."

The Washington Post reported the crash occurred on Interstate 95 in heavy traffic in Northern Virginia, about 14 miles from Washington.

The driver of the tractor trailer, Alan W. Snader, 59, of Ohio, wasn't injured. The Post reported he was charged with reckless driving.

The Reids are high school sweethearts who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year.

"Senator Reid has been to the hospital and appreciates the support he and his family are receiving from Nevadans and his colleagues in the Senate,” said Reid spokesman Jon Summers.

Republican candidate Danny Tarkanian, one of several Reid opponents in the primary field, issued a statement from his own family saying their thoughts and prayers were with the Reid family for a speedy recovery.