This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Four people are dead, 29 are hospitalized, and Interstate 25 is closed in both directions following a mass-casualty wreck involving semi-trucks and more than two-dozen passenger vehicles south of Pueblo.
“The crash investigation shows that there are over 30 vehicles involved, including six semis,” Colorado State Patrol officials stated in a Feb. 17 news release. “There are 29 people confirmed to be transported to the hospital. It is unknown their extent of injury.”
The identities of the people killed will be released by the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office after their next of kin have been notified. The crash is being investigated by CSP’s Vehicular Crimes Unit.
Northbound I-25 is closed at milepost 93 and southbound I-25 is closed at milepost 94, according to CSP.
“Due to low visibility, drivers are urged to delay traveling until conditions improve. If travel is necessary, avoid I-25 in this area, use caution, and reduce speed. Check COtrip.org for real-time updates on road status,” CSP officials stated in a news release.
The crash was first reported at 9:58 a.m., according to Pueblo police spokesperson Sgt. Antoinette Ramos.
Amber Shipley, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation, told the Chieftain that CSP will spearhead the investigation. However, Shipley stated that dust and high winds in the area possibly created “near brownout” conditions, which may have been a factor in the pileup.
Shipley advised drivers to treat dust storms similarly to a blizzard, including turning lights on, driving slowly, and proceeding with caution.
Ramos said there was no timeline yet to reopen the interstate in either direction, and that it would be a “very long time.”
This story was updated to include comments from the Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Department of Transportation.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @jayreutter1. Support local news; subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom contributed to this report.
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