A 25-year-old Grand Junction woman was in critical condition Monday at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington after the car she was riding in rolled three times on Molas Pass.

The crash occurred at 4:04 p.m. Sunday near Molas Lake Campground Park, said Sgt. Ben Steger with the Colorado State Patrol.

Erin Casey was flown to Mercy Regional Medical Center before being transferred to San Juan Regional Medical Center with serious head injuries, Steger said.

The driver, Augustus Barnes, 23, of Grand Junction, was driving a 2001 silver Toyota 4Runner northbound when he went off the right side of the road.

The vehicle traveled about 200 feet along the side of the road before rolling down a 100-foot embankment, Steger said. The 4Runner rolled three times before coming to rest on its wheels.

Troopers suspect Barnes became distracted.

Barnes, who was not injured in the crash, was cited with careless driving causing bodily injury. He is not suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The highway was closed for about one hour Sunday, while traffic backed up several cars deep in both directions. It reopened around 5:30 p.m.

shane@durangoherald.com