GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — Two 13-year-old boys died and four others were injured Thursday evening in a serious multi-vehicle crash on the southbound lanes of Interstate 25 near Orchard Road, according to Greenwood Village Police.
The incident occurred just before 7 p.m., prompting authorities to close southbound lanes while emergency crews responded. A hazmat team also worked to contain a fuel leak from one of the vehicles involved.
Victims and Community Response
Six people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The two boys who died were passengers; one was from Henderson and the other from Commerce City. Police have not disclosed whether they were in the same vehicle, and the families requested that their names remain private.
27J Schools, serving Brighton, confirmed that both boys were eighth-grade students at Prairie View Middle School. The district said it is “heartbroken” by the loss and has deployed counseling teams to support students and staff.
Eyewitness Accounts
David Beuther, who was driving near the scene, described a chaotic and frightening sequence. He said the crash began when a car ahead of him spun out of control. While he and another driver managed to slow down, a cement truck in the left lane did not.
“It was really scary to see that truck coming really fast down the road, and it didn’t look like it was stopping for anybody. It felt like I barely escaped with my life,” Beuther told reporters.
Beuther watched as the truck slammed into a sedan and then whipped sideways across the highway, setting off a chain of collisions. “It was like some sort of tragic movie where there were multiple collisions, dust, and smoke firing up,” he added.
He also noted that the truck had been drifting in and out of its lane at speeds near 70 miles per hour, causing nearby drivers to maneuver quickly to avoid it.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The South Metro Fire Rescue confirmed that crews worked to secure the crash scene and manage a fuel leak. The southbound lanes of I-25 were closed for several hours, causing traffic delays.
Greenwood Village Police are continuing their investigation. While erratic driving and high speed appear to be factors, authorities have not released official findings.
Community in Shock
The crash has left the community mourning the sudden loss of two young lives. Prairie View Middle School and 27J Schools are providing resources to help students, staff, and families cope with the tragedy.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise caution on highways and remain vigilant, particularly in heavy traffic conditions.
Reported by NewsPulse Reporter | NewsPulse Media