Rocky Ford, CO (March 24, 2026) – Four teens were seriously injured in a rollover crash Friday night near the intersection of Hwy 71 and County Rd 805, about five miles north of Rocky Ford.
The accident occurred on the night of Friday, March 20, when a vehicle carrying four teens rolled down the side of a canal near the Arkansas River. Emergency units were called to the area after a 911 caller reported the vehicle may have entered the water.
Locating the crashed vehicle proved difficult at first. Officials said the parent of one of the teens used a location-sharing app to help pinpoint the vehicle’s position, allowing responders to find it along the canal.
The vehicle had rolled down a steep embankment roughly 40 feet below the roadway. All four teens inside were badly injured in the crash.
During the rescue effort, Otero County Deputy Joe Pentlicki fell while attempting to reach the vehicle. Officials said he lost his footing on the steep slope, slid downward, and tumbled to the bottom, fracturing his pelvis.
Despite his injuries, Pentlicki asked medical personnel to assist the teens first. One of the teens was flown to a hospital in Colorado Springs, two were taken by ambulance to a hospital in Pueblo, and another was taken to a hospital in La Junta.
Pentlicki was initially taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Colorado Springs, where he is expected to undergo surgery. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our thoughts are with those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Rollover Crashes Can Cause Severe Injuries
Rollover accidents often lead to serious injuries because the vehicle can flip multiple times or land at a steep angle. When a car leaves the roadway and travels down an embankment or canal bank, the sudden drop can cause the vehicle to overturn.
These crashes are more likely when vehicles travel near waterways, drainage canals, or steep shoulders. Loose soil, uneven terrain, or sharp steering movements can make it difficult for a driver to maintain control.
When a vehicle rolls down a slope, occupants may experience strong forces as the car rotates or slides. This movement increases the risk of injury, particularly if the vehicle lands on its roof or side.
Rescue operations at rollover scenes can also be challenging. Steep terrain, water nearby, or unstable ground can make it harder for emergency crews to safely reach those involved and remove them from the vehicle.
