A semi truck driver is facing vehicular homicide charges following a Highway 287 fatal crash in northern Colorado that left one person dead and another seriously injured, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The Colorado State Patrol said troopers responded to the crash just northwest of Laporte at approximately 4:47 a.m. Saturday, after a semi truck collided with a Toyota sedan in the early morning hours.
Investigators said the 20-year-old woman driving the Toyota, who is from California, suffered serious injuries and was transported for medical treatment. Her passenger, a 21-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the semi truck driver as a 24-year-old man from New York. He was not injured in the crash but was taken into custody following the investigation.
State patrol officials said the driver is facing charges of vehicular assault related to the injuries sustained by the Toyota’s driver and vehicular homicide in connection with the death of the passenger.
Both directions of Highway 287 were closed between County Road 54G and Colorado 14 for several hours as investigators examined the scene and crews worked to clear debris. The roadway reopened shortly after noon.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of road safety and traffic enforcement across the United States.
Colorado State Patrol officials are leading the investigation into the crash.
