DENVER — Five people have lost their lives following a devastating series of crashes on a Colorado interstate where more than 30 vehicles, including seven big rigs, collided after powerful winds created a blinding dust storm, state officials confirmed Wednesday.
Colorado State Patrol initially reported four fatalities and 29 injuries from Tuesday’s accidents on Interstate 25 near Pueblo. However, one additional person succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, bringing the death toll to five.
The catastrophic chain of events began around 10 a.m. Tuesday when fierce winds swept across drought-stricken farmland adjacent to the highway, creating what Major Brian Lyons of the Colorado State Patrol described as a “brown out” condition.
“Visibility was next to nothing,” Lyons explained.
The National Weather Service recorded wind speeds reaching approximately 70 mph in the area Tuesday morning. Dramatic footage captured by a motorist trapped in the aftermath shows massive clouds of dust rolling across the highway, with damaged vehicles gradually becoming visible through the thick, dusty haze.
Hospital staff treated the wounded for injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, Lyons reported. While accidents occurred on both sides of the interstate, the northbound collision resulted in the fatalities, whereas the southbound incident caused only vehicle damage, patrol officials noted.
Among the vehicles involved was a pickup truck towing a livestock trailer containing 30 sheep and one goat, according to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, which responded to assist with the animals. Some livestock became trapped inside the damaged trailer while others escaped and roamed free until humane society workers could safely capture them. Four sheep sustained injuries too severe for recovery, the organization reported.
The investigation into the crashes, which occurred approximately two miles from Pueblo, remains ongoing. While poor visibility will be examined as a primary factor, other contributing elements may also be considered, stated Trooper Sherri Mendez, a patrol spokesperson.
The same powerful wind system that struck eastern Colorado Tuesday, combined with unusually warm temperatures and extremely dry conditions, also fueled wildfires across the region and caused flight delays at Denver International Airport. Similar dangerous wind and drought conditions continued Wednesday, maintaining elevated fire risks throughout the area.
