Monday accident results in one death, multiple injuries

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By Randi Pierce | Staff Writer

An accident on Monday evening, Jan. 9, resulted in one death and multiple people injured.

According to a press release from Pagosa Springs Police Chief William Rockensock, officers and emergency response units were dispatched to a “serious motor vehicle accident” at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

The accident was located near milepost 141 on U.S. 160, within the Town of Pagosa Springs, it notes.

The release notes that a preliminary investigation determined five vehicles were involved in the accident.

It relays that a 91-year-old female was driving a Jeep Cherokee east on U.S. 160 when her vehicle crossed the double yellow line into oncoming westbound traffic, first sideswiping a Subaru in the inside westbound lane.

That, the release notes, caused minor damage and no injuries to the driver.

It further reports that the Jeep Cherokee continued eastbound in the westbound lane and collided head-on with an Audi sedan driven by a single male occupant. 

“That vehicle sustained major damage, and the driver sustained severe injury,” it states.

After colliding with the Audi, according to the press release, the Jeep Cherokee collided with a Jeep Compass driving westbound on the inside lane directly behind the Audi.

The Jeep Compass, it notes, sustained major damage and the three female occupants sustained minor injury.

The fifth vehicle, according to the release, was a Dodge truck driven by a single male occupant.

The truck was driving westbound and “attempted to avoid the collision,” according to the release, but contacted the right rear of the Audi “and was able to go around the accident only causing minor damage. The driver sustained no injuries.”

It adds that the 91-year-old female driver of the Jeep Cherokee was pronounced dead at the scene.

“This is an ongoing investigation; personal information of the involved drivers is not being released at this time. No alcohol or drugs are suspected as a causation factor at this time,” the release states.

randi@pagosasun.com