Tragedy struck Highway 83 in Douglas County, Colorado, on Monday afternoon when a stolen Toyota hatchback crashed into oncoming traffic, killing five people including three children. The incident happened near milepost 40.5 just before 4:40 p.m., according to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP). The driver, a 31-year-old Denver man, lost control of the vehicle and went off the right shoulder before over-correcting and rolling into the northbound lane. The collision resulted in the fatal ejection of the driver and a head-on crash with a Ford sedan carrying a 35-year-old Colorado Springs man and five children.
Among the victims were a 13-year-old girl, 8-year-old boy, 12-year-old girl, 12-year-old boy, and 14-year-old boy, all from Colorado Springs. The 35-year-old man, 8-year-old boy, and two 12-year-olds were pronounced dead at the scene, while the 13-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy were airlifted to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Toyota was reported stolen through the Aurora Police Department about an hour before the crash. The case is under investigation by the CSP Vehicular Crimes Unit.
Authorities are currently working to determine the exact cause of the Toyota’s loss of control. Investigators are also examining whether the stolen nature of the vehicle played a role in the incident. The incident has sparked a renewed conversation about road safety, especially the dangers faced by children in such tragic circumstances. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of young lives and grapples with the devastating impact of this accident.
The Colorado State Patrol has emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, particularly in situations where a driver may be in distress. They have also reminded drivers to exercise caution in areas where stolen vehicles are more commonly involved in such incidents. The ongoing investigation aims to provide answers and prevent similar tragedies in the future.