Ouray County, CO — August 5, 2025 — A tragic crash on one of Colorado’s most treacherous mountain roads has claimed two lives and left a young girl hospitalized after a car plunged off the steep cliffs of Red Mountain Pass and into a river below.
According to a Colorado State Patrol news release, the fatal crash occurred around 8:06 a.m. Tuesday morning along Highway 550 near milepost 88, just south of Ouray. A silver Honda Civic carrying three occupants was traveling southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway shoulder and plummeted approximately 320 feet down a rocky embankment before coming to rest upside down in a river at the base of the mountain.
Immediate Fatalities and Heroic Rescue
When troopers and emergency personnel arrived on scene, two adult occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The third occupant, a female juvenile, was found trapped inside the wrecked vehicle. Despite the hazardous terrain and the vehicle’s precarious location, local emergency responders conducted a daring rescue, finally extracting the child at 11:27 a.m. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Her condition has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Highway Closure and Ongoing Investigation
Due to the severity of the crash and the difficulty of recovery efforts in such a remote and steep area, the southbound lane of Highway 550 remains closed. Traffic is currently being alternated through the northbound lane, but authorities warn that full reopening may not occur for several hours, if not longer.
The Colorado State Patrol, in coordination with local authorities and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Recovery efforts and scene documentation are ongoing.
A Call for Witnesses
Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash—or has relevant dashcam footage or information—to contact Colorado State Patrol Dispatch at 970-249-4392. Witnesses are urged to leave their name and contact information to assist investigators in piecing together the events leading up to the fatal plunge.
One of Colorado’s Most Dangerous Roads
Red Mountain Pass, part of the Million Dollar Highway, is known for its narrow lanes, steep cliffs, sharp switchbacks, and lack of guardrails in many sections. The stretch where the crash occurred is particularly perilous, especially during inclement weather or when drivers become distracted.
This tragic accident serves as another somber reminder of the hazards posed by mountain driving in Colorado. The State Patrol is expected to release additional information as the investigation unfolds and families are notified.
In Summary:
- Incident: Single-vehicle crash on Red Mountain Pass, Hwy 550
- When: August 5, 2025, at approximately 8:06 a.m.
- Vehicle: Silver Honda Civic
- Casualties: Two adults deceased, one female juvenile rescued
- Location: Near milepost 88, south of Ouray
- Recovery Time: Juvenile rescued at 11:27 a.m.
- Road Impact: Southbound lane closed; northbound lane open for alternating traffic
- Contact for Info: Colorado State Patrol Dispatch – 970-249-4392
As the community reels from this tragic event, authorities continue to urge caution on mountain roads and encourage anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.
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