Ouray, CO (August 6, 2025) – Medics and search crews worked tirelessly Tuesday morning after a deadly crash sent a vehicle careening down a steep mountainside along the iconic Million Dollar Highway (US Hwy 550) just south of Ouray. According to Colorado State Patrol, two adults were killed and a juvenile female was rescued after the car plunged approximately 320 feet into a remote canyon area near milepost 88.
The crash occurred just after 8 a.m., prompting an urgent response from Colorado State Patrol troopers, local EMS teams, and search and rescue units. Authorities say a silver Honda Civic went off the shoulder of the winding roadway, rolling down the rugged terrain before landing upside down in Red Mountain Creek below.
Rescue teams battled dangerous terrain during recovery efforts, and around 11:27 a.m., the juvenile survivor was successfully located and transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that both directions of the Million Dollar Highway were shut down due to the complexity of the rescue and recovery operation. “Search and rescue operations to recover the vehicle and occupants are currently underway and have proven to be fairly challenging due to the steep and technical terrain,” CDOT said in a statement.
The road remained closed for the remainder of the day and into the night, reopening around 2 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash and whether environmental or mechanical factors contributed to the tragedy.
Mountain Highway Accidents in Colorado
The crash along the Million Dollar Highway underscores the persistent dangers of mountain driving in Colorado. Renowned for its breathtaking views and narrow, winding paths with steep drop-offs, Highway 550 is also one of the most dangerous roads in the state—especially in areas like Red Mountain Pass where terrain is unforgiving and shoulders are minimal or non-existent.
This latest accident near milepost 88, just five miles south of Ouray, highlights the peril that can arise in mere seconds. The road’s layout requires complete driver focus, as one small miscalculation can lead to a devastating outcome—like Tuesday’s crash that resulted in the deaths of two adults and left a young girl fighting for recovery.
First responders faced immense logistical hurdles in this case, as the vehicle came to rest hundreds of feet below the highway. These types of rescues require technical rope systems, skilled backcountry access teams, and extended timeframes—factors that contributed to the lengthy closure and complicated recovery.
Mountain crashes also carry emotional and community weight. Local responders in Ouray County often deal with the trauma of remote accidents, while families are left to cope with grief and uncertainty. For survivors, the journey involves not only physical healing but emotional and psychological recovery as well.
As investigators continue reviewing this case, officials urge drivers to exercise extra caution on Colorado’s mountain roads. Reduced speeds, attentiveness, and preparedness for rapid changes in conditions are essential for safety—particularly on notorious stretches like the Million Dollar Highway.
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a serious mountain road accident, Local Accident Reports is here to assist with timely updates, critical resources, and helpful next steps. Stay alert, stay safe, and let us support your path forward.