JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — One person died in a three-vehicle crash off Highway 285 at Colorado State Highway 8 Monday morning, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The preliminary investigation suspects a wrong-way driver collided with two other vehicles, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said. The driver of an Acura IRL reportedly hit one car with just one person inside. The victim was taken to a local hospital by ambulance as a precaution. A second car with two people inside — a man and woman — was then hit.
Denver7’s Traffic Expert Jayson Luber observed firefighters working to get people out of two vehicles on northbound Highway 285. Luber saw them pull one person from a car and get that victim into an ambulance.
Four people in total were transported to nearby hospitals, according to West Metro Fire Rescue. Three were in critical condition, West Metro Fire Rescue said.
The driver of the Acura IRL was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to CSP. The man and woman in the second car hit were also take into the hospital. The man was later pronounced dead.
The stretch of road will remain shut down through the rest of the morning for the crash investigation, the sheriff’s office said. There’s no estimated time of reopening, as of 8:29 a.m. Monday. Drivers are being diverted onto Highway 8 past The Fort restaurant.
Sheriff’s deputies recommend drivers find an alternate route.
3-vehicle crash closes Highway 285 in both directions at Highway 8 Monday
Luber advised drivers can take Highway 8 all the way to Morrison and then back to C-470. Or they could take a right turn just after The Fort restaurant on S. Turkey Creek Road, take it under U.S. Route 285 and wind your way to W. Quincy Ave. and C-470.
The Colorado State Patrol is leading the investigation into what happened. Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not spoken to investigators is asked to call CSP Patrol Dispatch at 303-239-4501.
Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Jayson Luber
Denver7 traffic expert Jayson Luber knows Colorado roads like the back of his hand – but he’s always looking for stories impacting transportation in our state for his Driving You Crazy podcast and beyond. If you’d like to get in touch with Jayson, fill out the form below to send him an email.
