Longmont, CO (March 11, 2026) – Authorities are investigating a deadly crash that occurred early on Monday morning, March 9, along Interstate 25 near Longmont.
The collision happened around 5:50 a.m. when a white work van and a red Ford pickup were both traveling southbound on I-25. Authorities said the van signaled that it was merging from the left lane into the right lane.
Investigators reported that the pickup truck behind the van attempted to pass on the right side. The truck moved onto the shoulder before trying to merge back into the right lane.
During the maneuver, the van reportedly clipped the pickup’s left rear corner. The Ford then spun out of control and struck a concrete barrier along the roadway.
Authorities said the pickup overturned after the impact and came to rest on its roof facing west in the southbound lanes. The van pulled onto the shoulder and stopped nearby.
Emergency units arrived at the scene shortly afterwards. Authorities pronounced the driver of the Ford pickup dead at the scene. No additional information about the victim has been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Highway Lane Changes and Shoulder Passing Can Lead to Serious Crashes
Highways often carry traffic moving at high speeds, which means even small driving errors can quickly lead to serious crashes. Lane changes require drivers to check mirrors, monitor blind spots, and maintain safe spacing with nearby vehicles.
Passing on the shoulder can increase the risk of losing control or colliding with another vehicle that is changing lanes. Shoulders are designed primarily for emergencies and stopped vehicles, not for regular traffic movement.
When a vehicle suddenly leaves the main lane to pass on the shoulder, other drivers may not expect it. This can create sudden conflicts when vehicles attempt to merge into the same space.
Crashes involving sudden lane changes or shoulder driving may result in spinouts or rollovers, especially at highway speeds. Vehicle weight, road surface conditions, and the angle of impact can all affect how a crash unfolds.
