Three members of a Montana family — including two children — were killed Wednesday afternoon after their vehicle collided with a semi-truck on Interstate 70 in Colorado, according to authorities.
The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. on July 2, approximately 75 miles east of Denver, when a 2021 blue Subaru Forester rear-ended a semi-truck hauling a trailer, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) confirmed.
Tragic Loss of Life
The violent crash tore the passenger side of the Subaru apart, causing the vehicle to spin out and roll onto its roof, CSP Trooper Sherri Mendez told The Colorado Gazette. The impact severed the front passenger’s seatbelt, resulting in an ejection from the car.
The victims, according to CSP and media reports, include:
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A 47-year-old woman
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A 13-year-old girl
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A 10-year-old boy
All three died at the scene. Their identities have not yet been publicly released.
Driver Survives with Injuries
The 62-year-old male driver of the Subaru — believed to be the father — survived and was transported to the hospital. As of Thursday morning, July 3, he was reported to be in stable condition.
The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
A Witness Recounts the Aftermath
John Andazola, a witness who stopped to help, told KDVR that the driver of the Subaru, dazed and injured, was heard saying the family had been traveling to Arkansas for his mother’s funeral.
“I feel bad for the gentleman. He lost his family,” Andazola said. “As we pulled up to the car, instantly I noticed they — well, they didn’t survive it. The top of the vehicle was sheared off, and it was upside down.”
He added that the man was in shock and could not fully comprehend what had happened. Bystanders helped move him away from the wreckage so he wouldn’t have to see the devastating scene.
Road Closed for Hours
The crash closed all eastbound lanes of I-70 until around 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to KOAA-TV. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are urging drivers to remain cautious, especially during busy holiday travel weeks. This devastating accident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on the road.
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