A semi-truck hauling uranium material to the White Mesa Mill was involved in a crash on May 6 about a half-mile east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 160 and Route 98 in Shonto, Ariz., according to Navajo Nation Police.
According to the preliminary investigation, the semi-truck was traveling from Tuba City, Arizona, to the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah. Investigators determined the crash occurred when an SUV attempted to pass another semi-truck and collided with the front passenger-side tire and bumper of the uranium transport truck while trying to pass both vehicles.
Two people involved in the crash were injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. Appropriate authorities confirmed there was no damage to the cargo container transporting the uranium material, and no contact was made with the secured load, according to Navajo police.
"While initial reports indicate that the ore truck itself was not damaged and that no injuries have been reported, the photos and situation we are seeing remain unacceptable," said Navajo President Buu Nygren on his Facebook account. "Uranium has harmed our people, our land, and our water for generations, and many Navajo families continue to live with those impacts today. That is why incidents like this create serious concern in our communities."
Martin Tyler, Technical and Environmental Manager with Pinyon Plain Mine, reportedly conducted a comprehensive inspection of the transport vehicle and collected samples to test for any possible leakage. Following the completion of all inspections and safety assessments, officials determined there was no hazardous material leak related to the crash.
Radiation levels were evaluated using a Gamma Radiation Detector. Inspectors conducted spot checks beginning approximately half a mile from the initial incident location and continuing through the crash site. Measurements were taken at both ground level and above-ground level, and results indicated there was no radiological release.
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"I have been clear from the beginning — if I had authority over these state routes, this transport would not be taking place," said Nygren. "I am calling on federal partners and all involved agencies to improve coordination, strengthen safety measures, and provide clear answers to our people. Our communities deserve better."
He continued to note that while the Navajo Nation may not control transportation on Arizona state highways, companies transporting through Navajo communities "have a responsibility to operate safely and with the highest level of caution."
Uranium transport
In February 2025, Energy Fuels Inc.resumed transporting uranium orethrough the Navajo Nation from its Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon to the White Mesa Mill in southern Utah.
The Navajo Nation Council amended tribal laws that prohibit the transportation of uranium on tribal lands, and in August 2024, leaders adopted interim regulations to create an initial framework fornegotiating with companiesinvolved in uranium transport. Recently, the Navajo EPA held a public meeting to gather community input and public comments as it develops final regulations for consideration by the Navajo Resource and Development Committee.
The current regulations apply not only to uranium but also to other radioactive materials. In the case of Energy Fuels Inc., the company transports ore to its mill in Utah across 260 miles on Highways 89, 160 and 191, a route that passes through the Navajo Nation, and carriers are not permitted to deviate from it. Shipments are allowed only between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Navajo Police Department reassured the public that there is no threat to the community and no hazardous materials were released as a result of the incident. The investigation was completed in coordination with all involved agencies and safety officials, said Navajo police.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic:Uranium transport truck involved in US 160 crash.
