Law enforcement closed U.S. Highway 160 just west of Bayfield late Monday afternoon as they dealt with a crash between a semitrailer and a pickup at about 5:15 p.m., and it reopened about 7:20 p.m., according to emergency services dispatch.
The collision took place just past the intersection with U.S. Highway 160B before County Road 506. All traffic was diverted on U.S. Highway 160B through Bayfield.
The accident apparently occurred when a Toyota pickup carrying four men heading eastbound drifted over the center line and, as the pickup driver tried to correct, was partially struck by a semitrailer headed west. The men in the pickup were from Breckenridge, returning home after a camping trip at Mesa Verde National Park.
One person from the pickup was transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening, said Colorado State Patrol Trooper Stephanie Guilfoil. A dog riding in the back of the pickup was killed, and its body was picked up by Animal Control.
Guilfoil attributed the lack of serious injuries or human deaths to the fact that everyone involved was wearing their seat belts.
Upper Pine Fire Protection District was called to take care leaks of diesel and other fluids on the road.
abutler@durangoherald.com
