Five hurt as truck barrels into Colorado River

An out-of-control semi-truck crashed into two cars and then slid down an embankment into the Colorado River on Wednesday afternoon, the Nevada Highway Patrol said.

Trooper Kevin Honea said the accident occurred about 2:50 p.m. He said the driver of the big rig, which was hauling six cars, was traveling east on state Route 163 coming toward the bridge that separates Laughlin and Bullhead City, Ariz. The semi might have experienced brake failure, Honea said.

The big rig entered the intersection at Route 163 and Casino Drive, struck two cars and continued beside the bridge down an embankment and into the river, Honea said.

He said five adults were injured and taken to a hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said a fire and rescue team pulled the truck's driver out of the water.

Honea said the exact cause of the crash was undetermined.

"Our commercial vehicle inspector will be determining whether brakes were a factor or whether he just ran a red light," Honea said.

The bridge remained closed as of 7 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report