A Dodge Challenger went through a red light and caused a pile-up involving five other cars, according to police. Eighteen people were involved in the deadly crash which happened shortly after 3pm local time on Saturday. Police said the ages of those who died ranged from very young to middle-aged. At least one of the people injured is understood to be in a critical condition in hospital.
The North Las Vegas Police Department (NLVPD) said the Dodge Challenger was driving north on Commerce Street when it went through a red light at the intersection with Cheyenne Avenue.
The vehicle hit several others. Officers have said they believe “speed was a factor”.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger was among those who died.
NLVPD Officer Alexander Cuevas said: “Tonight officers are investigating a mass-tragedy traffic collision.
“So far this involves six vehicles and speed is a factor.
“As for the initial vehicle, it is a Dodge Challenger that was going northbound on Commerce approaching Cheyenne at a high rate of speed and with that, it struck multiple vehicles and unfortunately it was a chaotic event.
“There is more information to be released as offices further their investigations into this incident.”
He added: “We have not seen a mass casualty traffic collision like this before.”
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The US state had 382 traffic deaths – up by nearly a fifth (18 percent) from the year before.
Newly-named Clark County Office of Traffic Safety director Andrew Bennett recently said: “It’s shocking.
“We believe that speed and impairment will continue to be the leading causes of fatalities, and at the end of the day those two specifically are choices that people make.”
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