The following is an updated news release provided by Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen in regards to Friday's fatal accident on Highway 50 and Kit Kat Lane in Mound House.
On Friday, April 22, 2011, at approximately 3:54 pm, troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision involving three vehicles which took place on US Highway 50 near Kit Kat Drive in Mound House. 30-year-old David J. Melendrez died at the scene after he allowed the white 1997 Honda 4-door Accord he was driving to cross into the eastbound lanes of the 4-lane highway and strike two other vehicles.
For reasons still to be determined, the Honda sedan crossed the center turn lane and entered the left eastbound travel lane where it sideswiped a white 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche pickup driven by 56-year-old Deborah L. Dipino of Carson City. Ms. Dipino escaped injury and her vehicle was not severely damaged and was later driven away from the crash scene. The Honda continued into the right-hand lane of the eastbound highway where it went head-on into a black 2001 GMC pickup driven by 66-year-old Daniel L. Jones of Pollock Pines, California. Mr. Jones was taken by ground ambulance to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for his injuries. He is listed in fair condition at the hospital this morning.
Mr. Melendrez had his two children riding with him in the car; his eight year old daughter, Alexis, and her younger brother Colton, age 3. Alexis and her brother were both flown by Care Flight helicopter to Renown Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Alexis passed away early Saturday morning and the updated medical condition of Colton was not known this morning.
The crash initially had all 4 lanes of the highway blocked and traffic was diverted around the scene onto adjacent streets by Lyon County deputies and personnel from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). Crews were able to divert all eastbound traffic into the center lane around the wreckage while westbound vehicles resumed traveling in their respective lanes.
All lanes were completely reopened at around 7:32 pm. The accident is being investigated by the NHP-Northern Command--Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.). Witnesses or anyone with additional information about this horrific event is encouraged to call Trooper Robert Haigney at (775) 689-4682 or the Department of Public Safety-Communications Center at (775) 687-0400 regarding case # NHP-1104221244.