Denver, CO – A suspected drunk driver going the wrong way on Interstate 25 near Orchard Road caused a three-car crash early Sunday morning, resulting in two people being hospitalized, authorities said. In a secondary incident at the scene, a police patrol car was also struck, but no injuries were reported from that collision.
Wrong-Way Driver Sparks Major Collision
The crash occurred around 2 a.m., when Greenwood Village Police and Colorado State Patrol responded to reports of a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-25. According to police, the wrong-way vehicle collided with two other cars, sending two individuals to the hospital with injuries.
Emergency personnel responded promptly, and both injured victims were transported to a nearby medical facility. Per CBS News, their current conditions have not been made public.
Officer’s Vehicle Hit in Secondary Crash
While officers were managing the crash scene and controlling traffic, an unrelated driver struck a patrol car. Fortunately, the officer involved in that second crash was evaluated by on-site paramedics and released without hospitalization.
Authorities have not yet released details about the second driver, but the patrol car sustained visible damage.
I-25 Closed for Several Hours
Following the crashes, southbound lanes of I-25 were shut down for several hours to allow for investigation and cleanup. The highway has since reopened, but both crashes remain under investigation by Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement.
DUI Driving Risks Remain High
Wrong-way DUI crashes are among the most dangerous types of traffic incidents, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired drivers cause approximately 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States each year.
Legal Consequences Likely
While charges have not yet been officially filed, authorities are investigating the driver for DUI and other potential criminal offenses related to the wrong-way crash. Updates are expected pending toxicology reports and further interviews with those involved.
What do you think about the risks of wrong-way driving under the influence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
