Five separate accidents before 8 a.m. Thursday caused traffic delays on roads leading into the Laboratory. All of the accidents were relatively minor, however, a passenger in one of the vehicles was transported to Los Alamos Medical Center with injuries, according to Emergency Management and Response (S-8). The accidents were caused by excessive speed, following too closely or failure to yield, according to law enforcement agencies responding. A two-vehicle accident involving a white SUV and a gray-and-white pickup truck on NM 4 just west of the White Rock Y was the first traffic delay commuters encountered. The Los Alamos Fire Department was dispatched to handle a small fuel spill at the scene. A second accident on East Jemez Road involved three vehicles, one of which left the scene. Another three-car pile-up occurred on Pajarito Road just east of the entrance to Technical Area 18. This accident, caused by drivers following too closely, backed up traffic for approximately 1.5 miles. Citations were issued by the Los Alamos Police Department. Lab workers are urged to exercise caution when commuting to and from work and to observe posted speed limits. Photos by Kevin N. Roark, Public Affairs  |  |
