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Multi-Vehicle Accident Shuts Down Westbound I-80 In Sierra

  
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The California Highway Patrol says a chain-reaction crash involving at least six big rigs and 15 vehicles has killed one person and shut down westbound Interstate 80 during a heavy snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada.

CHP Sgt. Curtis Fouyer says one big rig rolled over two or three vehicles about 1:30 p.m. Friday near Yuba Gap, 70 miles east of Sacramento. A man who appears to be in his 60s died. Fouyer didn't know if he was in one of the crushed vehicles.

Other motorists called police to report they were trapped but uninjured. The crash occurred just after officials required tire chains on the interstate.

Spinouts also forced the closure of eastbound I-80, the main corridor between Northern California and Nevada.

Officials hope to reopen the interstate Friday night.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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