Las Vegas police officer killed by fallen beam on US 95

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Las Vegas Metropolitan police officer was killed when a beam fell on their car on U.S. 95 on Friday morning, a source confirms to 13 Action News.

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The incident was reported at approximately 7:04 a.m. in the southbound lanes near the 215 Northern Beltway, in the active Centennial Bowl construction zone.

Nevada State Police said a beam fell on the car after it was hit by equipment carried by a passing tractor trailer.

Video from traffic cameras in the area showed that the beam fell after it was hit, coming to rest atop concrete construction barriers on either side of the freeway. The officer's car then smashed into the beam where it sat supported by the concrete barriers.

A Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman described the beam as an "early warning beam," which warns drivers of the height of the bridge.

Traffic was shut down in the southbound lanes of U.S. 95 and was being diverted off the highway at Durango Drive. That closure was expected to remain in place until at least 8 p.m.

Police were expected to escort the officer's body with a procession to the coroner's office. The expected route was as follows:

• U.S. 95 to Rancho Drive
• Rancho Drive to Alta Drive
• Alta Drive to Shadow Lane

The Las Vegas Police Protection Association, which represents Metro officers, called it a "sad and tragic day."

"In a tragic accident on the freeway, one of our own lost their life," a representative wrote in a text message to 13 Action News. "Not only is this loss felt by all first responders in Nevada, but the community at large had also lost one of its hero's (sic). We pray for comfort for our fallen brother's family and friends as well as our entire community."