Adverse weather and high winds caused dozens of cars to crash on a southeastern Colorado highway, resulting in four deaths and sending at least 29 people to area hospitals, authorities said.
The multi-car pileup occurred at about 10 a.m. MST Tuesday on Interstate 25 near Pueblo, Colo., located about 45 miles south of Colorado Springs.
More than 30 vehicles were involved in the crash that occurred shortly after high wind advisories were issued and as dry dust and dirt picked up by the gusts were being whipped across the interstate, Maj. Brian Lyons, of the Colorado State Patrol, told reporters at a press conference.
“Visibility was next to nothing,” Lyons said, describing it as “brown out” conditions.
The National Weather Service said gusts were in excess of 85 mph in mountain areas and 65 mph in the plains. It warned that “significant blowing dust” was possible and that the winds would continue, though weakened, into Wednesday.
The deceased were identified Tuesday evening by the Pueblo County Coroner’s office as David L. Kirscht and his son, Scott L. Kirscht, from Walsenburg, Colo.; Mary Sue Thayer from Rye, Colo.; and KarenAnn Marsh from Pueblo.
Pueblo County Coroner Dr. Greg Grahek said in a statement that next of kin has been notified and the cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results.
At least 29 people were transported from the scene to various area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to moderate, with a few listed as serious, Lyons said.
He added that an investigation is underway to piece the crash together to try and figure out the initial wreck, which involved several commercial motor vehicles, pickups pulling horse trailers, SUVs and passenger vehicles.
All northbound lanes on I-25 south of West Pueblo Boulevard were closed into early Wednesday due to the crash.
“Crews are working the scene and there is no estimated time of reopening,” the Colorado Department of Transportation said in an announcement on its CoTrip.org website.
“Travelers should be aware of blowing dust and high winds creating visibility issues in the area.”
