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Colorado State Patrol Reports Fatal Secondary Crash Shuts Down Southbound I-25 Near Walsenburg
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Description: A secondary multi-vehicle crash on southbound I-25 near Walsenburg left one person dead. Southbound lanes remain closed with traffic detours in place. Read the Full Statement from the Colorado State Patrol...
Fatal Secondary Crash Closes Southbound I-25 South of Walsenburg in Huerfano County
(Huerfano County, CO) - At approximately 7:32 am. the Colorado State Patrol responded to two crashes on Interstate 25 southbound at mile marker 40. The second crash in this location is a fatal crash involving three vehicles.
Troopers responded to reports of an initial crash involving a Semi traveling southbound, which had slowed as traffic reduced speed due to poor visibility from sun glare. The semi was rear-ended by a box truck. This crash resulted in moderate injuries to the driver of the box truck who was airlifted to a local hospital.
As the drivers of the two vehicles had moved to the right shoulder to exchange information, with traffic still moving slowly, the second crash occurred several minutes later.
The second crash on Interstate 25 involved three vehicles, including a Ford F250, a Hyundai Elantra and a Hyundai Sonata. The Ford, driven by a 46-year-old male, rear-ended the Elantra, causing the Ford to roll and slide, striking the rear of the Sonata. After being hit, the Elantra crossed the center median and ended up on the right shoulder of the northbound lanes. The driver of the Ford suffered fatal injuries and died on the scene. The driver of the Sonata was not injured. The driver of the Elantra was taken to a local hospital with an unknown level of injury.
The Interstate was shut down in both directions at the beginning stages of this incident, but northbound was reopened at 9:12 a.m.. Southbound I-25 remains closed, and traffic is being detoured at exit 41, the Rugby Road exit.
The Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crimes Unit will handle the investigation. Interstate 25 southbound will remain closed for several hours for cleanup and investigation. To check on the current roadway status, visit cotrip.org
