One dead in Sunday morning collision

Posted

A collision that occurred near the Archuleta-La Plata county line early Sunday resulted in the death of an Oregon man.

The accident took place on U.S. 160 near mile post 111 — about 1 mile east of the county line — shortly before 1 a.m., according to a Colorado State Patrol incident report.

According to the report, a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by Kevin L. Streib, 48, of Gaston, Ore., was westbound on U.S. 160 when it crossed over the centerline and collided head-on with a semi tractor trailer hauling coal.

Upon impact, the Mustang was knocked backward, and it continued off the south side of the roadway, where it came to rest on its top facing west.

The semi came to rest on its wheels facing east.

Both vehicles caught fire during the collision, and U.S. 160 was closed after the incident until 10 a.m. while emergency personnel worked to clean up the scene. CDOT assisted with the cleanup, which included diesel and coal.

Streib was pronounced dead at the scene by Archuleta County Coroner Carl Macht. According to the report, he was wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the semi — Michael J. Jones, 55, of Penrose, Colo. — suffered no injuries, according to the blotter, while a passenger in the semi — Robert F. Nacio, 46, of Colorado Springs — suffered minor injuries and was transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center.

Neither of the men in the semi were using seat belts, according to the report.

Fatigue on the part of Streib is the suspected cause. Neither excessive speed nor alcohol/drugs are believed to have contributed.