An Ignacio woman and two of her children were injured early Thursday when her vehicle struck a semitrailer on U.S. Highway 160 just east of the Florida River.
Stephanie LeMasters, 37, was turning her 2010 Kia Sedona van west on to Highway 160 from County Road 225 when she struck a westbound 2013 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Charles Reid.
“She said the sun was in her eyes and that she didn’t see the semi,” Colorado State Patrol Trooper Chris Balenti said. “Her vehicle hit the left rear of the trailer.”
LeMasters, who suffered a fractured back, was taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center, Balenti said. An 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son suffered cuts and bruises. The girl was using a seat belt and the boy was in a restraint.
A 3-year-old son in a car seat was not injured.
Reid, 60, was not hurt.
The accident occurred at 7:15 a.m. Traffic on Highway 160 was detoured around the site at the old intersection of county roads 222 and 223.
The Kia was totaled and the trailer sustained axle damage, Balenti said.
LeMasters was cited for careless driving, Balenti said.
daler@durangoherald.com
