CSP releases preliminary details on fatal crash near Orvis Hot Springs

OURAY, Colo. (KREX) — Colorado State Patrol (CSP) released preliminary details of the fatal Highway 550 crash near Ridgway that killed a 34-year-old man and hospitalized two others. The incident occurred at milepost 103 around 5:33 p.m. on Monday and involved two vehicles: a Dodge Caravan and a Ford F350 pulling a gooseneck flatbed trailer with a skid steer. The Dodge Caravan was traveling westbound when it drifted over the center line into the eastbound lane, where the Ford F350, traveling eastbound, attempted to avoid by steering to the right. According to CSP, the front of the Dodge Caravan hit the flatbed trailer before traveling off the westbound shoulder and into a ditch. After the impact, the trailer detached from the Ford F35 and also ended up in a ditch as the skid steer rolled off. The Ford F350 ended up blocking the eastbound lane. There was no rear seat in the Dodge Caravan, and all three occupants were unrestrained, according to CSP. The driver of the Dodge Caravan, a 34-year-old male, was pronounced dead on the scene. The two passengers were transported to a hospital with serious injuries. There were no reported injuries from the driver of the Ford F350. Highway 550 near milepost 103 was closed in both directions for over five hours after the crash. CSP's Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.