Tragic Accident on Wolf Creek Pass Claims Truck Driver's Life

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(MINERAL COUNTY, Colo.) A tragic accident claimed the life of a semi-truck driver on Monday, Nov. 3, when the vehicle veered off Highway 160 and plunged down the mountainside at Wolf Creek Pass.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported that troopers quickly responded to the scene shortly before 8:30 a.m. The accident involved a semi-truck carrying a trailer loaded with canned beverages, which had careened off the road approximately 17 miles north of Pagosa Springs.

According to CSP, the incident occurred when the 2020 Freightliner was traveling south on Hwy 160. It collided with a barrier wall on the right, rebounded, then crashed through the guardrail on the left, tumbling down a steep slope. Before the truck descended, its trailer ruptured, spilling its contents onto the road.

The cab and the trailer were completely destroyed as they crashed down the mountain. Upon arrival, troopers faced challenges locating the driver amidst the extensive debris scattered down the slope.

Courtesy: Colorado State Patrol

Eventually, the driver, a 23-year-old man from New York, was located and pronounced dead. CSP said investigators confirmed he had been thrown from the cab.

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.