Three people died Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 491 south of Cortez, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The crash occurred at mile marker 1, north of the New Mexico State line, said Trooper Josh Lewis. There were no survivors, and all three people died at the scene.
Emergency responders were notified at 6:55 a.m. by a passerby, who dialed 911.
U.S. Highway 491 has reopened at the scene of the crash with one lane alternating traffic allowed to go through, according to a Colorado Department of Transportation Facebook post at 11 a.m. Motorists should expect delays with additionally intermittent full closures as law enforcement continues its investigation and to allow for vehicles to be cleared. U.S. Highway 160 to the Four Corners remains open.
The crash involved a white 2014 Ford pickup and a blue 2005 Chrysler van with Colorado plates, Lewis said. A 52-year old man died in the Ford. In the Chrysler, a 47-year old woman and 68-year old man died. There were no other occupants.
Additional information was not available, including identify of the victims or cause of crash. The crash is being investigated by the Colorado State Patrol.
A secondary crash in occurred on U.S. 491 in the vicinity of the first, Lewis said, and involved a 2014 Honda. It is unclear whether it was related to the first crash. He said no injuries were reported in the second crash, which is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Travelers are being asked to avoid the area. The Montezuma County coroner has responded to the scene, as did a sheriff deputy, said Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin.
Shortly after the crash, CDOT closed U.S. Highway 160-491 at County Road G, then the closure was limited to the first 5 miles north of the state line. The highway has since reopened, but with delays at the crash site.
Additional details were not available as of 10 a.m. This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
jmimiaga @the-journal.com
