📰 What Happened

On August 5, 2025, a tragic crash along one of Colorado’s most dangerous roadways has claimed two lives and left a child injured.

At approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday, a silver Honda Civic veered off U.S. Highway 550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway, near milepost 88—about five miles south of Ouray. The car reportedly plunged over 300 feet down a steep embankment, landing upside-down in Red Mountain Creek.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, two adults were killed, and a juvenile girl was rescued from the wreckage around 11:27 a.m. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Source: Denver7 – See article here

⛰️ Recovery and Road Closure

Rescue and recovery efforts were difficult and dangerous due to the remote terrain. The road was closed in both directions while crews worked to retrieve the victims and investigate the scene. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) offered no immediate estimate for reopening the highway.

⚠️ A Deadly Stretch of Road

The Million Dollar Highway is a renowned scenic drive—but it’s also notoriously hazardous:

– Narrow lanes (as narrow as 23 feet in spots)
– No guardrails in many high-exposure areas
– Sharp mountain curves and drop-offs
– Frequent snow, ice, and avalanches during winter months

Despite the low posted speed limit of 25 mph, accidents are not uncommon.

Between January 2020 and December 2024, 53 crashes occurred along this 15-mile stretch south of Ouray. 33 of those involved vehicles leaving the roadway, and only one other incident was fatal. Eleven crashes resulted in injuries.

🧠 What Drivers Should Know

This heartbreaking incident is a reminder that Colorado’s mountainous roads require utmost caution. Even experienced drivers can make mistakes or fall victim to weather, terrain, or vehicle malfunctions.

When traveling roads like US-550:
– Drive slowly, even below posted limits.
– Check weather and avalanche forecasts in advance.
– Watch for black ice, rocks, or debris on the road.
– Never take your eyes off the road—even for a second.

⚖️ If You or a Loved One Is Hurt, Aaron Understands

Crashes like this are devastating. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a serious car accident—whether due to dangerous road conditions, driver error, or vehicle issues—you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

Aaron Israels is a Colorado personal injury attorney who understands how overwhelming and painful these situations can be. At AaronUnderstands.com, we help families seek justice and financial recovery after tragic incidents like this one.

➡️ Reach out today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and take the next step toward healing.

We always offer Free Consultations. If we take your case, we do so on a contingency fee basis—which means there are no attorney fees unless we recover money for you.

(720) 599-3505

www.AaronUnderstands.com