Three minors were taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center on Sunday with serious or life-threatening injuries after a rollover on U.S. Highway 160 in which alcohol is a suspected factor.
Colorado State Patrol Trooper Tim Sutherland said around 2:45 a.m., a 2004 Chevy Avalanche with Colorado plates was traveling east when it ran off the right side of the road at mile marker 99.4, west of Gem Village.
A 17-year-old male was thrown from the vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries. Two girls, a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old, remained in the vehicle, and were taken to Mercy with serious injuries.
None of the teenagers was wearing a seat belt, Sutherland said.
“It’s becoming a more common theme with the no seat belts, and it just goes to show how important it is to wear one,” Sutherland said.
Speed was not a factor, he added.
Because the incident involved minors, Sutherland could not provide names or hometowns of any individuals involved. Without names, it is not possible to obtain a medical condition update from Mercy.
Sutherland said charges are pending, but because the crash involves minors and alcohol, it could take a few days before charges are filed.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
