Five People, Including Three Children, Killed in Multi-Vehicle Collision South of Denver

FRANKTOWN, Colo. — Five people are dead and two others remain hospitalized after a three-vehicle collision that shut down a stretch of Highway 83 south of Denver on Monday afternoon, state authorities said.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported that the crash occurred at approximately 4:39 p.m. near mile marker 40.5, close to the intersection with Russellville Road. Investigators said a black Toyota hatchback traveling southbound lost control, veered off the right shoulder, then returned to the pavement and rolled into the northbound lane, ejecting its driver in the process.

Once in the wrong lane, the Toyota struck a tan Ford sedan head-on. After the initial impact, the Toyota continued moving southbound against traffic and hit a black Ford pickup, causing only minor damage to the truck, according to troopers at the scene.

Casualties and Injuries

The driver of the Toyota, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ford sedan carried an adult male driver and five juveniles. CSP confirmed that the driver and three of the children died at the site of the collision. Two additional juveniles in the sedan were flown by air ambulance to a regional medical center; their conditions were not disclosed.

The driver of the Ford pickup escaped injury, officials said.

Ongoing Identification Process

The Douglas County coroner’s office is responsible for confirming the identities of all deceased victims and notifying next of kin. Names and ages will be made public once that process is complete, authorities stated.

Investigation

State troopers have not determined why the Toyota left its lane. The CSP Vehicular Crimes Unit is leading the investigation and plans to examine mechanical evidence from the vehicles, eyewitness statements, and potential roadway or weather factors. Toxicology tests on the drivers are standard procedure and results are pending.

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Highway 83 remained closed in both directions Monday night while personnel conducted on-scene measurements, gathered debris, and cleared the roadway. Officials advised motorists to use alternative routes until further notice.

Colorado averages hundreds of traffic fatalities each year, and head-on collisions are among the most lethal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, frontal impacts accounted for more than half of all passenger-vehicle occupant deaths nationwide in 2023.

Next Steps

CSP investigators will reconstruct the sequence of events to establish speed, vehicle positions, and other contributing factors. Findings will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for any potential legal action, although no charges have been announced.

Crédito da imagem: Colorado State Patrol