An incident involving uranium transport occurred near Highway 160, in the new Shonto hotel area.
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.
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.
While the Navajo Nation does not control transportation on Arizona state highways, companies transporting through our communities have a responsibility to operate safely and with the highest level of caution.
I have been clear from the beginning — if I had authority over these state routes, this transport would not be taking place.
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.
The Navajo Nation will work with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to determine what occurred, proactively minimize the possibility of another similar event on the Navajo Nation, and ensure accountability for this unacceptable event.
