Dust Storm With Winds up to 70 MPH Causes Deadly 36-Vehicle Pileup on Colorado Highway
A massive dust storm caused a deadly series of crashes on a Colorado interstate on Tuesday. More than 30 vehicles, including seven semi-trucks, were involved in the pileup that sent at least 29 people to the hospital and left five people dead.
The dust storm hit Interstate 25 just south of Pueblo a little after 10 a.m. local time. Shortly before the pileup, the Colorado State Patrol warned on social media that Tuesday would be a “wild weather day.” Little did they know.
Winds in the area were reported to be blowing 60 to 70 miles per hour. The dust whipped up by the gales caused a “brown out.” With visibility significantly reduced, several drivers were unable to react before crashing into other vehicles.
“Visibility was next to nothing,” Colorado State Patrol Major Brian Lyons said.
‘This was one of those storms that came through and the wind picked up very quickly’
Seven people involved in the pileup suffered serious injuries and 21 were treated for moderate to minor injuries. A pickup truck pulling a trailer carrying 30 sheep and one goat was also involved. Four of the sheep died as a result of their injuries.
More than 50 responders from 23 agencies responded to the scene. The origin cause of the pileup is still under investigation. Trooper Sherri Mendez said poor visibility was a primary factor, but they will also be looking at other possible contributing elements.
Amber Shipley, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation, told the Pueblo Chieftain that if drivers are ever caught in a brown out they should put their lights on, drive slowly, and use caution.
