Cortez, CO : 2Head-on collision kills one on U.S. 160 east of Cortez on Wednesday, 20th January 2021

One person died and others were taken to a hospital after a fiery head-on collision Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 160 between Cortez and Mancos.

A 2017 white Chevy Trax and 2018 Chevy Express van collided head-on near mile marker 53, east of Mancos, according to Colorado State Patrol Trooper James Proctor, who was at the scene.

The van, which was towing a trailer, erupted into flames. Debris was spread across the road.

According to information from a crash report released by Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gary Cutler, the westbound Chevy Trax SUV “crossed into the eastbound lane” and collided with the eastbound van. The driver of the Chevy Trax, a 68-year-old woman from Mancos, died at the scene, he said. She was wearing her seat belt, and airbags deployed.

The case remains under investigation. Drugs, alcohol or excessive speed are not suspected in the crash. No citations were issued.

CSP did not release the name of the dead victim, referring the inquiry to Montezuma County Coroner George Deavers. Deavers said next of kin were still being notified, so the name would not be released yet. He said an autopsy will be conducted on the woman Friday.

Eleven people, including the driver, were traveling in the eastbound 2018 Chevy Express van. Cutler said the driver, Christopher G. Duffy, of Maryland, suffered serious injuries from the crash and was taken to Southwest Memorial Hospital. A female passenger suffered minor injuries and also was transported. Both were wearing a seat belt, as were the other passengers.


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