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1 Dead In Sierra Chain-Reaction Crash

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- The California Highway Patrol said a chain-reaction crash involving at least six big rigs and nearly 40 vehicles overall has killed one person and shut down westbound Interstate 80 during a heavy snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada.

CHP Sgt. Curtis Fouyer says one big rig rolled over two or three vehicles about 1:30 p.m. Friday near Yuba Gap, 70 miles east of Sacramento. A man who appears to be in his 60s died. Fouyer didn't know if he was in one of the crushed vehicles.

Other motorists called police to report they were trapped but uninjured. The crash occurred just after officials required tire chains on the interstate.

Spinouts also forced the closure of eastbound I-80, the main corridor between Northern California and Nevada.

Officials had hoped to reopen the interstate Friday night.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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