FERNLEY-- One person is dead and two to others were injured in a vehicle accident that occurred earlier this morning near Fernley.

This morning at around 7:30 am, troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol were dispatched to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 80, approximately 19 miles east of Fernley.

The preliminary crash investigation details indicate that a gold colored 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling westbound on the freeway when the driver allowed the SUV to drift toward the center median.  He over-corrected the vehicle’s steering to the right and then to the left before over-correcting the steering to the right once more.  The vehicle entered a broadside skid before rolling over several times and ejected one of the two passengers who died at the scene. 

The driver, an 18-year-old male from Grass Valley, California, and the other male passenger each sustained minor injuries and were transported to RenownRegionalMedicalCenter by ground ambulance.  No other vehicles were involved and alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

The overturned vehicle came to rest in the right lane of the westbound portion of the freeway and traffic was diverted into the left lane around the scene by Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) personnel. 

The Major Accident Investigation Team or M.A.I.T. is investigating the crash and anyone with information is encouraged to call Trooper Eric Gallagher at (775) 689-4661 or the Department of Public Safety-Communications Center @ (775) 687-0400 regarding case number NHP-111123205.

The names of all occupants will be released once authorities identify them and properly notifiy the family of the deceased victim.