Tragic Accident: Semi Truck Crash Claims Driver's Life at Wolf Creek Pass

Share this @internewscast.com

(MINERAL COUNTY, Colo.) Tragedy struck on Monday, Nov. 3, when a semi truck driver lost his life after his vehicle veered off Highway 160, plummeting down the mountainside at Wolf Creek Pass.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported that troopers arrived on the scene shortly before 8:30 a.m. The crash involved a semi truck loaded with canned beverages, which careened off the road approximately 17 miles north of Pagosa Springs. Initial assessments revealed the vehicle had left the highway and descended the steep terrain.

CSP detailed that the 2020 Freightliner was traveling south on Hwy 160 when it collided with a barrier on the right side. The impact caused the truck to ricochet, crossing over the left guardrail and tumbling down the slope. As the semi descended, its trailer ruptured, spilling its cargo onto the road.

The aftermath was devastating, with both the truck’s cab and trailer sustaining total destruction as they crashed down the mountain. Upon arrival, troopers faced the daunting task of navigating a massive debris field to locate the driver.

Courtesy: Colorado State Patrol

Ultimately, they found the driver, a 23-year-old from New York, who had been ejected from the cab. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene, confirmed by investigators.

According to CSP, the initial investigation revealed the semi was travelling at a high speed when it hit the right side barrier, and that smoke was coming from the brakes. CSP said the driver did not take the runaway truck ramp 1.5 miles before the crash.

Due to the cargo spilled on the highway, the Colorado Department of Transportation had to use a plow to clear the road. The highway is not closed; however, CSP said the recovery of the truck and trailer is expected to take an extended period of time.