A Greeley man was killed and three others injured Sunday evening in a three-vehicle El Paso County crash that authorities believe may have been precipitated by a teen driver’s mistake.
The wreck happened about 6:30 p.m. on U.S. 24 near 31st Street between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
Investigators say a 2002 Lexus LS430 was heading westbound on U.S. 24, making a left hand turn onto southbound 31st Street, when it was hit by a 2003 Dodge Dakota heading east on the highway.
“After impact, the Lexus rotated counter-clockwise and collided its rear with a 1993 Chevrolet Suburban, which was stopped in the northbound lane of 31st Street,” the State Patrol said in a news release. “The Dodge continued eastbound, coming to rest on its wheels facing east.”
The State Patrol says the Lexus’ driver, a 16-year-old girl from Colorado Springs, was transported to Penrose Main Hospital with moderate injuries. A 68-year-old passenger in her vehicle, Rudolf Munoz of Greeley, was pronounced dead.
Officials say he was wearing a seatbelt.
Two Colorado Springs men in the Dodge were seriously injured in the wreck and also taken to Penrose, the State Patrol said.
No one in the Chevrolet was injured.
“Alcohol and drug use are not considered contributing factors in the crash at this time,” the release said. “Failure to yield right-of-way is being investigated as a contributing factor.”
The State Patrol says it will not release the teen girl’s name because of her age. she was issued a citation in connection with the crash.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul
