Mesa County Highway Accident: The Highway 6 collision in Mesa County resulted in the deaths of two CDOT employees. According to the Colorado State Patrol, three individuals were slain in a single vehicle accident on Highway 6 in Mesa County on Wednesday morning. State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard stated at a press conference held Wednesday afternoon in the vicinity of the accident site that preliminary investigations did not indicate that the motorist was under the influence of alcohol. “I will inform you that we do not currently suspect impairment based on the initial investigation.” Packard stated, “There is still a significant amount of information to review, and we will collaborate closely with the Mesa County District Attorney’s office to assess the potential for criminal charges.”
Packard was accompanied by Shoshana Lew, the Executive Director of the California Department of Transportation (CDOT), who discussed the existence of a memorial stone for employees who have passed away while on the job. “We are present today with the awareness that we will be required to join the list of individuals who will be remembered for their loss of life,” Lew stated. The victims have not yet been identified. They consist of the occupant in the vehicle that struck them and two roadway technicians from the Colorado Department of Transportation. The three individuals perished on the spot.
Authorities have not disclosed any information regarding the condition of the other individual from the vehicle, who is currently hospitalised. According to a CSP statement, the Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled after striking two CDOT employees who were working outside of their vehicle and a stationary CDOT vehicle during the initial investigations. The highway was closed from 35 Road to 34 Road on both sides. Around 3:45 p.m., both directions were reopened. CSP has stated that vehicles should anticipate a protracted closure, but there is no specific timeline for its reopening.
On April 15, the annual Remembrance Day, the California Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that 62 of its employees have passed away while on the job since 1929. Two individuals were slain on Wednesday, bringing the total to 64. A CDOT statement commemorating the April memorial event stated, “While highway workers are at significant risk on a daily basis, it is equally important for motorists to exercise caution and responsibility in work zones.” “In reality, highway workers are responsible for four out of five work zone fatalities, while individuals who are driving through them account for the remaining five.”The agency reported that in 2023, there were 15 accidents in Colorado work zones. Sixteen individuals were slain in those incidents.
