News Release

Truck crash in Death Valley spilled liquid asphalt

Black thick liquid in the foreground and a yellow machine in the background next to a paved road.
A NPS employee digs holes to contain emulsified asphalt.

NPS

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News Release Date: July 19, 2023

Contact: Abby Wines, 760-786-3221

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – A tractor trailer crashed in Death Valley National Park on July 17, 2023 releasing emulsified asphalt. Commercial trucks are prohibited on Mud Canyon Road, partially due to the steep grades.

The truck’s brakes failed while descending from Daylight Pass. The driver downshifted but was unable to stop the truck. It crashed on the shoulder of Mud Canyon Road, about 2 ½ miles east of North Highway.

The driver was uninjured. Park visitors picked him up and drove him to cell phone service to report the accident.

National Park Service (NPS) employees responded to the scene to contain the 5,000 gallons of emulsified asphalt and 150 gallons of diesel released when the truck crashed. The trucking company is cooperating with the NPS to remove the wreck and clean up the site.

Charges are pending.



A wrecked trailer tank on the right side with a wet, black stream out of it on the ground.
Emulsified asphalt released by the wrecked trailer tank.

NPS

Black liquid asphalt flowing downhill toward the camera, with holes dug in foreground.
NPS employee dug holes to contain the emulsified asphalt.

NPS

Wrecked tractor trailer on the side of a paved road.
Wrecked tractor trailer on the side of Mud Canyon Road.

NPS

Last updated: July 19, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328

Phone:

760 786-3200

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