Eleven people were injured in Garfield County Saturday when a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus driver swerved to avoid colliding with the rear of a slow-moving tractor.
The bus was carrying riders on a regular regional route between Aspen and Glenwood Springs when the accident happened at about 7:05 p.m., according to Colorado State Patrol spokesman Trooper Nate Reid.
The bus was westbound in the right lane of Highway 82 near mile marker 16 when it came up behind the tractor, which was travelling slow. Though the tractor was equipped with running and flashing lights, it did not bear a required slow-moving vehicle sign.
“The driver of the bus attempted to avoid colliding with the rear of the tractor by quickly changing lanes into the left lane. The driver of the bus then lost control and the bus began to skid,” according to a CSP release.
The skidding bus passed the tractor, crossed into the right lane and hit a concrete barrier on the right shoulder.
The bus then rolled onto its left side.
The bus was carrying 12 adult passengers, plus the driver.
Three of the passengers suffered serious injuries, and eight had moderate injuries. The bus driver had minor injuries, and didn’t require hospitalization.
Six passengers were transported to Valley View Hospital, and five taken to Aspen Valley Hospital.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671, tmcghee@denverpost.com or
