Uranium Ore Truck Collision Endangered Navajos near Shonto on Navajo Nation

Uranium ore haul truck struck by car endangered Navajos near Shonto, Arizona on the Navajo Nation. Photo courtesy Navajo Police Dept.

A uranium ore haul truck traveling from a uranium mine in the Havasupai's homeland in the Grand Canyon, to a mill site in the White Mesa Ute's community in Utah, was struck by a vehicle, which exposes the danger from the radioactive haul trucks covered only with tarps. The trucks travel from Energy Fuels Pinyon Plain uranium mine in the Grand Canyon, from Havasupai ancestral land, through Flagstaff, and across Navajo and Hopi lands before reaching Energy Fuels mill site on Ute ancestral land in Utah. -- Censored News

Navajo Police Department Kayenta District Responds to Crash Involving Uranium Transport Vehicle Near Shonto, Arizona.

SHONTO, Ariz. — The Navajo Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash just 1/2 mile east from U.S. Highway 160 and Route 98 involving a semi-truck transporting uranium material near Shonto, Arizona. Two individuals involved in the collision sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The truck driver did not sustain any injuries.

Preliminary investigation determined the semi-truck was traveling from Tuba City, Arizona, en-route to the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah. Investigators learned the collision occurred when an SUV attempted to pass another semi-truck and struck the front passenger-side tire and bumper of the semi transporting the uranium material as it was attempting to pass both vehicles.

The Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency was immediately notified and coordinated with Pinyon Plain Mine safety managers to assess the scene and address public safety concerns. Safety personnel conducted extensive inspections and testing of the roadway, surrounding ground area, the semi-truck, and above-ground air levels to ensure there was no hazardous material release.

Appropriate authorities confirmed there was no damage to the cargo container transporting the uranium material, and no contact was made with the secured load.
Martin Tyler, Technical and Environmental Manager with Pinyon Plain Mine, conducted a thorough inspection of the transport vehicle and collected samples to test for any potential leakage. After completing all inspections and safety assessments, officials confirmed there was no hazardous material leak associated with the crash.

The device used to measure radiation called a Gamma Radiation Detector. The inspection conducted was a spot check of the area that started from ½ mile of the initial incident to the crash site. The ground level and above-ground level were measured. The measure showed no Radiological release.

All required safety protocols were followed during the investigation. Kayenta Police District is conducting their preliminary crash investigation. The crash investigation outcome is pending.
The Navajo Police Department would like to reassure the public that there is no threat to the community and no hazardous materials were released as a result of this incident. The investigation has been completed in coordination with all involved agencies and safety officials.

Uranium ore haul truck struck by car endangered Navajos near Shonto, Arizona on the Navajo Nation. Photo courtesy Navajo Police Dept.