The driver involved in a van accident Tuesday has been charged with several counts.
The Colorado State Patrol said today the driver, Damian Wallis, 42 Newark, N.J., was not injured but was taken to Longmont United as a precaution. He was wearing a seatbelt.
Wallis is charged with driving without a valid license, no proof of insurance, and four counts of careless driving causing injury.
Speed is thought to be a contributing factor in the accident, although drugs and alcohol are not.
Wallis was driving a white 2004 E350 van eastbound on U.S. 36 about 5 p.m. Tuesday when he lost control about 5 miles northwest of Lyons, trooper said. The van ran off the right side of the road, hitting a post and two trees. The van rolled down an embankment and came to a stop near the St. Vrain Creek.
Three of the four passengers — all from Newark — were ejected, official said. All
Arnold Realda, 25, and Michael Yen Chu, 29, had minor injuries and were taken to Longmont United.
Emmer Lou Cuevas, 25, was being treated for serious injuries at Longmont United, and Nittaya Jongpattana, 22, was being treated for minor injuries at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland.
The highway was closed in both directions but all lanes reopened after 8 p.m..
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
