At least five people, including three children, were killed in a “complex” multi-vehicle crash in the Denver area earlier this week, authorities said.
The collision occurred on Highway 83 near South Russellville Road, south of Franktown, on Monday, Nov. 24, according to Franktown Fire Rescue in a statement on X.
“Franktown has two complex motor vehicle crashes. Please avoid the area of Hwy 83 near South Russelville and Highway 83 near Highway 86,” officials wrote. “Highway lanes are closed in these areas and will be for an extended amount of time.”
The crash happened around 4:39 p.m. local time. The driver of a black Toyota hatchback reportedly “lost control” of the vehicle and struck two other cars — a tan Ford sedan and a black Ford pickup — according to CBS News and ABC News, citing the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), which responded to the scene.
“The Toyota was traveling southbound on Highway 83 when the driver lost control and went off the right shoulder. The Toyota returned to the roadway and rolled onto the northbound lane, ejecting the driver,” the CSP said. “The Ford sedan was traveling northbound when the Toyota hit it head-on.”
The Toyota then “kept traveling southbound in the northbound lanes and struck a Ford pickup,” causing minor damage to that vehicle, the agency added.
A man and five children were inside the Ford sedan. The man driving the car and three of the children were pronounced dead at the scene, the CSP told ABC News.
Two other juveniles were airlifted to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Ford pickup was not injured, according to the outlet.
The victims’ identities have not yet been released. The Douglas County coroner will prepare a report on the deceased, officials told ABC News.
The Colorado State Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash. In an update on X on Monday, the agency said Highway 83 was “closed both directions due to a crash” and advised drivers to “use an alternate route.”
