Deadly Multi‑Vehicle Crash on I‑25 in Pueblo, Colorado — Four Dead, Extensive Road Closures
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colorado — The Pueblo area experienced a severe traffic incident on Interstate 25 (I‑25) near Stem Beach on February 17, 2026, when a multi‑vehicle collision involved numerous passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, leaving four people dead and prompting significant highway closures. Emergency responders and law enforcement are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the causes and sequence of events leading to the crash.
Incident Overview
At approximately 10:00 a.m. MST, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local emergency units were called to respond to the large-scale collision south of Pueblo. Authorities confirmed that the crash involved at least 30 vehicles, creating a chaotic scene that required full closure of both northbound and southbound lanes of I‑25 between Mile Point 92, Exit 91 (Stem Beach), and Colorado Highway 45. The scale of the pileup necessitated immediate medical attention for survivors, scene management, and detailed documentation of the accident.
Contributing Factors and Conditions
Preliminary reports indicated that adverse environmental conditions, including strong wind gusts and dust reducing visibility, may have contributed to the severity of the incident. CSP and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) have stated that a full determination of cause — considering factors such as speed, driver actions, weather, and road conditions — will follow a comprehensive investigation and crash reconstruction.
Emergency Response
Multiple agencies, including the Pueblo Fire Department and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, collaborated to respond to the scene. First responders provided medical aid where possible, separated and assessed the involved vehicles, and coordinated traffic detours to manage the extended closure, which caused significant delays for commuters and commercial traffic across the region.
Fatalities and Victim Updates
As of the latest reports, four fatalities were confirmed. Identifying details have not been released, pending next-of-kin notifications and official confirmation by the Colorado State Medical Examiner’s Office. The coroner will release death certificates and cause-of-death information once the investigation is complete.
Investigation and Public Guidance
CSP is leading the official investigation, which includes scene documentation, review of surveillance footage, collection of witness statements, and examination of environmental conditions. Authorities have asked anyone with relevant information or video evidence to contact CSP or the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. Safety officials are reminding drivers to exercise extreme caution during poor weather, maintain safe speeds, and remain vigilant, particularly on high-traffic highways such as I‑25.
Conclusion
The I‑25 crash near Pueblo represents one of the most serious multi-vehicle incidents in recent Colorado history. The tragedy underscores the dangers of high-speed driving under adverse conditions and highlights the ongoing commitment of law enforcement and transportation officials to investigate and implement measures to prevent future accidents. Verified updates on causes, victim identities, and safety recommendations will be released as they become available.
