BAYFIELD, Colo. — A devastating crash on U.S. Highway 160 has left two adults dead and a 5-year-old child injured, turning a quiet stretch of road near Bayfield into the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy. The incident, which authorities believe happened early Friday morning, was not discovered until hours later.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, troopers were called to the scene around 12:35 p.m. Saturday after reports of a serious crash just east of Bayfield. When responders arrived, they found a heavily damaged blue Chevrolet S10 off the roadway, down an embankment and out of view from passing traffic.
Investigators say the vehicle was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway, rolled down a slope, and came to rest on its roof after rolling an unknown number of times. Due to the remote location of the wreckage, officials believe the crash occurred earlier that morning, around 6 a.m. on Friday, and went unnoticed for hours.
Three people were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. The driver, 25-year-old Devante Griffin, and passenger, 24-year-old Klariza Tarango, both from Farmington, New Mexico, were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the impact and rollover left the vehicle severely damaged.
A 5-year-old girl, also in the vehicle, survived the crash. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries and was later released, according to officials. Her survival has been described as a small point of hope in an otherwise tragic incident.
Investigators say that neither speed nor impairment is currently believed to be a factor, and no charges are expected. The crash remains under investigation as authorities work to fully understand what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn in such a remote area.