Kremmling, CO (August 6, 2025) – Emergency responders were faced with a heartbreaking scene early Monday morning following a fiery two-vehicle collision on Highway 9 just south of Kremmling that claimed the lives of five family members, including three young children. The tragic crash occurred around 7:15 a.m., drawing a swift response from Grand County authorities and Colorado State Patrol.
According to initial reports, the crash unfolded when the driver of a northbound Ford F-150 veered into the opposite lane, striking a southbound GMC Yukon head-on. The impact was so severe that both vehicles were quickly engulfed in flames. First responders rushed to extract the occupants of the Yukon, but sadly, all five individuals inside—an entire Kremmling family—were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified by the Grand County Coroner’s Office as 2-year-old Andres Cabral-Banuelos, 5-year-old Manuel Cabral-Banuelos, 12-year-old Maria Cabral-Banuelos, 30-year-old Andrea Banuelos-Salazar, and 34-year-old Manuel Cabral-Torres. The family’s passing has left the tight-knit Kremmling community reeling from the immense loss.
The driver of the Ford F-150, a 25-year-old man from Parker, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment. His condition remains unknown as of the time of this report.
The crash prompted the closure of Highway 9 for several hours while investigators worked to piece together the cause of the collision. The Colorado State Patrol has launched a full investigation and is examining all contributing factors, including road conditions and vehicle data.
The Grand County Coroner’s Office issued a heartfelt statement extending its deepest condolences: “The loss of an entire family is an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts are with all who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time.”
Fatal Car Accidents in Colorado
Colorado, like many western states, faces a challenging combination of long rural highways, variable weather conditions, and distracted driving trends. The crash on Highway 9 south of Kremmling serves as a somber reminder of just how devastating road accidents can be, especially on high-speed two-lane roads in remote areas.
Head-on collisions, such as the one that occurred Monday, are among the deadliest types of crashes. When vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide at high speeds, the forces involved are catastrophic, often resulting in fatalities or severe injuries. In this case, the sheer impact and the subsequent fires left no opportunity for survival for the family in the Yukon.
The region around Kremmling is known for its open stretches of highway where visibility is high, but driver attention can lapse. Rural areas also tend to have slower emergency response times due to distance, which makes timely accident prevention even more vital. In this crash, despite the rapid arrival of Grand County Fire and EMS, the fire conditions made rescue efforts impossible.
This tragedy has left a deep mark on the Kremmling community, where the Cabral-Banuelos family was well-known. Community organizations and residents are rallying to support surviving relatives and those impacted by the grief.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of awareness, attentiveness, and responsible driving—especially on highways where a moment of distraction can lead to irreversible consequences. The Colorado State Patrol continues to investigate this case, and further updates may reveal whether mechanical issues, impaired driving, or another cause played a role in the deadly crash.
In the aftermath of fatal accidents, families are often left grappling with not only their grief but also practical matters—such as insurance issues, investigations, and potential legal considerations. Support systems and resources, including counseling and legal guidance, can be critical during such times.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious car accident, Local Accident Reports is here to provide guidance. We offer updated traffic reports, crash details, and support resources to help families through the aftermath of tragedy. Stay informed, stay safe, and let us help you take the next step forward.
