Colorado driver walks away from dangerous 300-foot highway crash with minor injuries: 'A miracle'
Share this @internewscast.com

A driver incredibly walked away with just minor injuries after a dramatic 300-foot fall from a highway in Colorado last week, according to officials.

The incident occurred on October 9 along U.S. Highway 550 in Ouray, as reported by the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, Inc. on Facebook.

Emergency crews were called to the scene at approximately 12:20 p.m. following a report that a pickup truck had careened 300 feet down into the Uncompahgre River Gorge, having veered off the highway, according to the statement.

Responders from Ouray County EMS, the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department, and the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team collaborated to set up a rope system, which allowed them to rappel down to the vehicle’s lone occupant.

crumpled wreckage of the pickup truck on the side of the mountain

Despite the harrowing crash, officials confirmed that the driver only suffered minor injuries.

Officials said the driver sustained minor injuries. 

The rescue team shared photos of the mangled vehicle and the driver walking up the steep ledge with assistance from a rescuer to return to the highway.

Driver and rescuer walking up ledge

Rescuers said the driver walked away from the wreck with only minor injuries. (Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, Inc.)

“Glad he’s not hurt very bad,” one person wrote in response to the rescue team’s post on Facebook. “Time to buy a lottery ticket.”

“Minor injuries after this? WOW! Seems like a miracle,” another wrote.

rescuers on the highway performing a technical rope rescue

Rescuers set up a technical rope system to rappel down to the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. (Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, Inc.)

U.S. Highway 550, known as the “Million Dollar Highway,” is “a scenic and treacherous mountain road” that is popular among adventure seekers, road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts, according to the town of Ouray’s tourism webpage.

The 25-mile stretch of roadway, however, has earned a reputation as one of the “most dangerous roads in America” due to narrow lanes, sharp turns and lack of a guardrail between the roadway and steep ledge, the site says.

“Though it is labeled as one of the most dangerous roads in the United States, if you stick to the speed limit, stay within the lines, and be aware of your surroundings you will travel just fine,” the page reads. “Campers, Semi-Trucks, and trucks with trailers travel this road frequently.”

The highway was the site of two fatal crashes over the summer, local outlet KKTV reported.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Panarin has goal, 2 assists as Rangers beat Red Wings 4-1

Panarin Shines with Goal and Two Assists as Rangers Secure 4-1 Victory Over Red Wings

By Dana Gauruder DETROIT (AP) — Artemi Panarin shone with a goal…
Democrats consider prolonging the government shutdown as Republicans prepare new bills without health care fix

Democrats Weigh Extending Government Shutdown Amidst Republican Push for New Legislation Lacking Health Care Solutions

In a bid to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, Republican senators are…
Tariffs push US wine industry into uncertain territory: 'Really creates a challenge'

Navigating the Storm: How Tariffs Are Reshaping the US Wine Industry Landscape

NAPA, Calif. – The U.S. wine industry is grappling with the far-reaching…
4 dead, 11 injured after police chase ends in crash in Ybor City, TPD says

Tragic Ybor City Crash: Police Chase Ends with 4 Dead, 11 Injured in Devastating Accident

The Tampa Police Department has reported the arrest of 22-year-old Silas Sampson,…
Ketanji Brown Jackson halts order requiring full SNAP payments, for now

Breaking: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Temporarily Blocks Full SNAP Payment Mandate

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has issued a temporary suspension on…
Hamas hands over another Israeli hostage's remains as Gaza ceasefire exchanges continue

Breaking: Hamas Releases Israeli Hostage Remains Amid Ongoing Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

On Tuesday, the remains of an Israeli hostage were returned by Hamas…
Cigarette flick that sparked massive Bronx car explosion caught on video

Shocking Video Captures Cigarette Igniting Massive Car Explosion in the Bronx

A dramatic car explosion in the Bronx, ignited by a carelessly discarded…
Some states are requiring gun safety lessons in schools that teach kids 'stop, don't touch'

Why More States Are Mandating ‘Stop, Don’t Touch’ Gun Safety Lessons in Schools

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — As the new school year unfolds, students across…
Suspicious package with anti-Trump messaging prompts medical visits at Joint Base Andrews, official says

Suspicious Package with Anti-Trump Message Leads to Medical Evaluations at Joint Base Andrews

According to U.S. officials, a group of servicemembers at Joint Base Andrews…
UPDATED: Supreme Court Issues Stay in Response to Trump Admin Emergency Appeal of SNAP Case

Supreme Court Halts SNAP Case Amid Trump’s Emergency Appeal: Latest Updates

UPDATE [9:44 PM Eastern]: On Friday night, the U.S. Supreme Court implemented…
Mamdani win upended NYC electoral politics: OK Boomers, Gen Z and Millennials are now in charge

NYC Power Shift: How Gen Z and Millennials Are Redefining Local Politics After Mamdani’s Victory

In a striking shift from previous voting trends, over half of the…
Los Angeles Dodgers' Alex Vesia and wife mourn death of infant daughter

Heartbreaking Loss: Dodgers’ Alex Vesia and Wife Share Tragic News of Infant Daughter’s Passing

Vesia and his wife expressed deep gratitude to the Dodgers, their fans,…