A fatal tractor-trailer accident occurred on May 20, 2025, in Death Valley National Park, resulting in the death of the driver. The crash also caused significant damage to a historic structure within the park. As a result of the incident, the California State Route 190 (CA-190) was temporarily closed to traffic.
The collision caused CA-190, a major thoroughfare through the park, to be shut down for a total of 22 hours while authorities conducted an investigation and cleanup. The impact of the crash on the park’s historic structure is currently being assessed by park officials, with the extent of the damage yet to be determined.
The National Park Service has not released any further details about the driver or the circumstances leading to the crash. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in areas of natural beauty and historical significance.