Asphalt spilled in National Park when semi truck loses brakes on road prohibiting semi trucks due to steep grade 

Crews are working to clean up a load of liquid asphalt spilled after a semi truck lost its brakes driving through Death Valley National Park on Monday. 

The accident happened on July 17th in Death Valley National Park on Mud Canyon Road, half a mile east of North Highway near Las Vegas, Nevada. 

According to News3LV, the semi truck’s brakes failed as it descended Daylight Pass and the driver was unable to stop. The truck driver was not injured, but thousands of gallons of liquid asphalt was spilled in the crash.

The truck driver had to hitch a ride with park visitors to an area with cell phone service in order to report the wreck. Park employees were then able to contain the asphalt spill, along with 500 gallons of spilled diesel fuel. 

The trucking company is working with the Park service to help clear the wreckage and spill. Semi trucks are prohibited on Mud Canyon road due to the steep grades. Charges for the incident are still pending.