MONTE VISTA – An early morning head-on collision north of Monte Vista resulted in the death of one driver with the second driver being transported to a hospital.
According to Capt. Nathan Lyons, Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), at 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a 34-year-old male driving a Toyota Corolla was heading northbound on County Road 4 North when he apparently drifted into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with a Dodge Ram 3500 being driving by a 71-year-old man.
The accident occurred at Mile Marker 54 where, Lyons says, it is a two-lane road.
The driver of the Toyota Corolla, who was the only occupant of the car, was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Dodge Ram 3500, also the only occupant, was transported to a hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries that are not life threatening.
The names of the victims are not being released now, pending notification of family members. However, Lyons stated that both men are local residents and believed to be from the Monte Vista-Del Norte area.
Lyons also stated that neither excessive speed nor impairment from alcohol or drugs are considered to be a factor, and “perhaps, the driver just fell asleep.”
The Monte Vista Police Department immediately responded to the scene and were soon joined by the Colorado State Patrol. MVPD stayed on scene to assist with traffic control as the highway was closed for several hours.
Lyons further stated that CSP extends their deepest sympathies to the victim’s family.
