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Commerce City, CO (May 21, 2026) – One person died, and several others were hurt on Wednesday morning after a five-vehicle collision on Highway 85 near East 120th Avenue.
Police said the emergency on the roadway happened near the Commerce City and Brighton line. Investigators believe a 20-year-old driver traveling southbound on Highway 85 ran a red light at East 120th Avenue and struck another vehicle that was moving eastbound with a green signal.
The 50-year-old driver of the second vehicle was ejected and died on the roadway. Several additional cars became involved in secondary impacts afterward. The other drivers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. No names beyond the deceased person’s age were released.
Officers arrested the 20-year-old driver on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide charges. Highway 85 remained closed for several hours while crews worked in the area.
Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the crash. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the person who lost their life.
Why Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes Usually Become More Severe
Multi-vehicle roadway emergencies can quickly become dangerous when traffic is moving through intersections at higher speeds. A single driver failing to stop can trigger a chain reaction involving several vehicles within seconds. Secondary impacts are common because nearby drivers may not have enough time or distance to avoid damaged cars already blocking traffic lanes.
Intersections connected to major highways often carry steady traffic throughout the day, increasing the chances of additional contact after the first strike. In serious cases, medical teams may evaluate seat belt use, vehicle damage, and the positions of occupants in the cars. Traffic signal timing, visibility, and road conditions are also commonly reviewed after crashes involving multiple vehicles and suspected impaired driving.
