Eagle County, CO (January 6, 2025) – A chain-reaction crash amid icy conditions injured one person and damaged a Colorado State Patrol vehicle Sunday night on Interstate 70 at milepost 158.
The incident unfolded around 8 PM in the westbound lanes, where a tow truck was assisting a motorist stuck in the snow. The driver of a Ford F-250 collided with the tow truck, initiating the series of events. Shortly after, as a state trooper investigated the crash, a Jeep struck the patrol vehicle.
The tow truck driver, caught between the tow truck bed and the patrol vehicle, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, the state trooper avoided injury by moving out of the vehicle’s path moments before impact. The injured tow truck driver was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The icy conditions on I-70 at the time of the crash contributed to the series of collisions. Emergency responders worked to manage the scene and assist those involved, while traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted. Colorado State Patrol is investigating the incident to determine contributing factors.
Winter Weather and Chain-Reaction Crashes in Colorado
Winter weather conditions, like those on I-70 in Eagle County, often contribute to chain-reaction crashes, particularly on high-traffic interstates. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and increased stopping distances during icy conditions pose significant risks to drivers and emergency responders assisting at crash scenes.
Colorado officials stress the importance of winter driving safety, including reducing speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and using snow tires or chains when necessary. Drivers should also exercise extreme caution around emergency responders and tow trucks, yielding to flashing lights and maintaining a safe distance.
If you or a loved one is involved in a winter-weather crash, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention, document the scene, and consider consulting a legal professional. Colorado law supports accident victims in recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by negligence or hazardous road conditions.
For more information or assistance following an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.