Interstate 25 is closed north of Pueblo after a train derailment spilled cars and coal across the interstate.
I-25 closed in both directions between exits 104 and 106, the Colorado State Patrol announced Sunday around 4 p.m. on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.
I 25 mile post 106 northbound and southbound near PUEBLO is closed due to train derailment. Expect extended closure in the area due to train cars and coal on the interstate.
— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News) October 15, 2023
Gary Cutler, spokesperson for the Colorado State Patrol, said the railroad bridge over the highway collapsed as the train derailed, but officials aren’t sure what caused the derailment yet.
A semi-truck was under the bridge at the time of the crash, and rescue crews are working to extract the driver from the cab, Culter said. Last he heard, the driver was unconscious.
It is currently unknown if other vehicles were involved.
Officials expect an extended closure to remove the train cars and coal from the roadway, Cutler said. It is unlikely that the road will re-open before Monday.
Culter confirmed a semi-truck was involved in the crash, and that first responders were working to rescue the driver from the cab.
According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, multiple law enforcement and first responder agencies are on the scene, and travelers should avoid the area.
Both Pueblo’s and Colorado Spring’s Fire Departments have confirmed they have units on scene.
I25 north of Pueblo closed to North & Southbound traffic due to a train derailment impacting interstate. Motorists going north to Colo Springs need to exit @ HWY 50 and go west to Penrose & north HWY 115. Southbound traffic from Colo Springs to Pueblo take HWY 115 south. pic.twitter.com/Kl22L2Tah7
— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) October 15, 2023
Cutler said a detour route has been established while the interstate remains closed.
Motorists headed north to Colorado Springs should exit at Highway 50 and go west to Penrose and Highway 115 North until they pass the closure. Those traveling south to Pueblo should take exit 110 onto a county road that runs parallel to I-25 and into Pueblo. The routes were last updated at 5:52 p.m.
— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News) October 15, 2023
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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