Four Dead in Massive I-25 Pileup in Colorado
Four people were killed and 29 others injured after more than 30 vehicles collided on Interstate 25 south of Pueblo, Colorado, on February 17, according to state officials.
The crash occurred around 10 a.m. local time on the northbound side of I-25. Colorado State Patrol Major Brian Lyons said at a news conference that 29 passenger vehicles and seven semi-trucks were involved in the wreck.
In addition to the four fatalities, 29 people were transported to area hospitals. Of those injured, seven suffered serious injuries, one remains in critical condition, and 21 were treated for moderate to minor injuries, CSP said in a news release.
Victims Identified
The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office identified the four adults killed as David L. Kirscht and Scott L. Kirscht, a father and son from Walsenburg, Colorado; Mary Sue Thayer of Rye, Colorado; and Karen Ann Marsh of Pueblo, Colorado.
The coroner’s office said next of kin have been notified. The cause and manner of death for each victim are pending autopsy results.
High Winds Created ‘Brownout’ Conditions
Authorities said adverse weather played a significant role in the crash.
Lyons described how strong winds and dry conditions combined to create near-zero visibility along the highway.
“The dirt and everything just transversed all the way across I-25 and created just what I'll call as a dirt or a brown out,” Lyons said. “That visibility was next to nothing.”
A high wind warning was in effect for the area at the time, with gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service office in Pueblo.
Lyons said the wind “picked up very quickly” due to a lack of moisture in the region, sending dust and debris across the roadway and drastically reducing visibility for drivers.
Goats Among the Victims
One of the vehicles involved in the crash was a pickup truck towing a trailer carrying more than 30 goats. Colorado State Patrol said four of the goats died in the collision. The remaining 28 goats were safely removed from the scene.
Officials did not release additional details about the livestock vehicle or its driver.
Highway Closures and Ongoing Investigation
Interstate 25 was closed in both directions following the pileup. While the northbound lanes were shut down due to the fatal crash, the southbound lanes were closed because of a separate accident that resulted in property damage only, according to CSP and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
The southbound side of the highway reopened around 2:40 p.m. local time. As of that time, the northbound lanes remained closed while investigators worked at the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Amber Shipley, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation, told the Pueblo Chieftain that drivers should treat dust storms similarly to blizzards.
She advised motorists to turn on headlights, reduce speed and proceed with extreme caution when visibility drops due to blowing dust.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or citations will be issued as part of the investigation.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.