LAS VEGAS (Las Vegas Sun) -- U.S. Sen. Harry Reid suffered bruises Friday afternoon in a multivehicle accident on Interstate 15 that sent him to University Medical Center Trauma as a precaution."He experienced rib and hip contusions and has been cleared for release by the doctors," Reid's office said in a statement this afternoon.Reid, 72, the Senate majority leader, was taken to UMC by his security detail as a precaution and walked in on his own, his office reported. The statement added that some of Reid's detail and a staffer also suffered minor injuries in the accident and were evaluated at UMC.Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremie Elliott said the accident occurred about 1:10 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-15, north of Sahara Avenue.Trooper Loy Hixson said five vehicles were involved in the accident: two vehicles carrying Reid and members of his security detail; two Metro Police vehicles; and one civilian vehicle.Troopers said it was not clear what led to the accident.Authorities have closed the right two lanes of northbound I-15 near the accident scene.The Regional Transportation Commission’s freeway cameras show traffic backed up on northbound I-15 from Tropicana Avenue to Sahara Avenue. Traffic on the southbound freeway is backed up to the Spaghetti Bowl.Reid spoke earlier in the day at a Las Vegas ceremony celebrating the National Atomic Testing Museum, which was officially named a "national" museum Friday.He was also due to speak to the editorial board of Spanish-language newspaper El Tiempo at 2:30 p.m., according to editor Hernando Amaya.Reid's wife, Landra, spoke at a campaign event this afternoon featuring first lady Michelle Obama before abruptly leaving as word of the accident spread at the rally.Landra Reid and daughter, Lana, were involved in a car crash two years ago when their vehicle was rear ended by a semi-truck near Washington, D.C. Landra Reid broke her back, neck and nose, while Lana Reid hurt her neck and cut her face. Reid often refers to the crash in his speeches.Harry Reid has been particularly active and energetic this campaign cycle. Earlier this week in Carson City, he seemed to revel in the campaign, interacting with volunteers and supporters. At a joint dinner with Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., one source described Reid as "more engaged than when he was running."
Statement from the office of Senator Harry Reid on senator Reid's condition following traffic accident:"Senator Reid and his security detail were involved in a traffic accident today on Interstate 15 in Las Vegas. Senator Reid was taken to University Medical Center Hospital by his security detail as a precaution, and walked in on his own. Senator Reid was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. He experienced rib and hip contusions and has been cleared for release by the doctors. Mrs. Reid was not in the car at the time of the accident. Some of Senator Reid's detail and a staffer had minor injuries in the accident and were evaluated at UMC."
