Lone Tree, CO (April 9, 2025) – A devastating collision involving a light rail train and a passenger vehicle occurred near the intersection of C-470 and I-25 on Wednesday, resulting in one fatality and major rail service disruption in the Lone Tree area.
Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. According to South Metro Fire Rescue, the incident began when a vehicle exiting the I-25 on-ramp veered off the roadway and slammed into a retaining wall. The car then came to rest on the light rail tracks, where it was struck by an RTD light rail train.
First responders arrived quickly and discovered the vehicle wedged between the train and the retaining wall. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle succumbed to injuries at the scene. The train’s operator and a single passenger onboard were unharmed, according to officials.
Emergency crews had to reposition the train in order to gain access to the trapped vehicle, a complex process that delayed rescue and removal operations. Due to the severity of the crash, RTD suspended light rail service in the area while firefighters cleared the scene and law enforcement began their investigation.
Lone Tree Police Department and the Colorado State Patrol are jointly investigating the events that led up to the crash, including the reason the vehicle left the road.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life in this tragic incident.
Train Collisions and Roadway Incidents in Colorado
Train and vehicle collisions, though less frequent than other types of traffic accidents, carry a disproportionately high risk of severe injury or fatality. In Colorado, where light rail systems like RTD operate adjacent to major highways and urban centers, the potential for dangerous encounters increases near interchange zones such as C-470 and I-25.
Crashes involving trains are particularly challenging due to the sheer force and size of rail equipment, as well as the infrastructure challenges involved in rescue operations. In this case, the vehicle becoming lodged between a train and a retaining wall demonstrates how quickly such accidents can escalate and complicate recovery efforts.
The Colorado Department of Transportation emphasizes the importance of maintaining control on high-speed ramps and avoiding distractions during transitions between freeway and local traffic. Exiting at high speed or navigating unexpected conditions—such as wet pavement or poor visibility—can result in drivers losing control and ending up in dangerous locations, such as train tracks or embankments.
Victims and their families affected by these events often face immense emotional and financial strain. When collisions involve fatalities, it becomes essential to understand all contributing factors, from roadway design and traffic signage to driver behavior and vehicle performance.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
