Douglas County, CO (May 21, 2026) – One person was seriously hurt Wednesday morning following a head-on collision on southbound Interstate 25 near Castle Rock.
State troopers said the wreck happened shortly before 5:15 a.m. between Plum Creek Parkway and Tomah Road near mile marker 179. A Chevrolet Silverado was reportedly traveling north in the left southbound lane while a Toyota Camry was heading south in the right lane.
Investigators said the Silverado struck the center concrete barrier before swerving into the right lane and hitting the Camry head-on. Both vehicles came to rest on the interstate, blocking traffic for a period of time. The Silverado driver, a 56-year-old man from Cheyenne, Wyoming, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The 36-year-old Aurora man driving the Camry was not hurt.
All southbound lanes reopened just before 7 a.m. after crews cleared the damaged vehicles from the highway.
Troopers continue reviewing the circumstances that led to the collision.
We are thinking of the injured driver and wish him a steady recovery.
Why Wrong-Way Highway Crashes Often Lead to Severe Injuries
Wrong-way highway crashes are among the most dangerous types of roadway emergencies because vehicles are often traveling at high speeds in opposite directions. These collisions can lead to severe damage due to the force created when two vehicles meet head-on. Interstate roads also give drivers less time to react, especially during early morning or nighttime hours.
Concrete barriers, lane design, and visibility conditions are often reviewed after these types of roadway emergencies. In many cases, investigators also look at driver direction, traffic flow, and whether signs or markings were clearly visible. Even when one driver avoids major harm, the size and speed of the vehicles involved can still leave others with significant trauma requiring immediate hospital care.
