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Hundreds Stranded When Crash Shuts Down Burning Man Highway

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A fatal crash shut down a rural highway leading to the Burning Man festival in Nevada's desert, snarling traffic for hours and temporarily stranding hundreds of festival-goers at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

 

The victim of Sunday's crash was identified Monday as 61-year-old Lonnie Richey of Carson City.

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A preliminary investigation indicates he was driving a pickup southbound on a county road near State Route 447 when he crossed the yellow lines and hit a northbound RV. Two RV occupants were treated for minor injuries.

 

KOLO-TV reports nearly 800 festival-goers spent Sunday night at the airport or found local motel rooms with help from local airport and tourism officials.

 

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Most boarded buses Monday bound for the celebration 100 miles north of Reno.

 

Airport spokesman Brian Kulpin says about 20,000 Burners are expected to travel through the airport this week.