NEWS FROM THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
DATE: 3-17-09
TIME: 8:00 A.M.
LOCATION: Colorado 139 at milepost 18. ( Approximately 18 miles north of Loma, CO.)
On 3-16-09 at approximately 8:27 A.M. Troopers responded to all lanes of Colorado 139 at milepost 18.
A silver 2005 Peterbilt truck-tractor pulling a semi trailer was traveling southbound on Colorado 139 approaching a curvature to the right. A white Ford F-550 Pick-up truck also pulling a trailer was traveling northbound on Colorado 139. The Peterbilt crossed into the northbound lanes and rolled onto its left side before colliding in a head-on manner with the Ford Pick-up truck. Both vehicles came to rest on the east edge of the roadway.
The restrained driver of the Peterbilt has been identified as a 59 year old male from Grand Junction, CO. The driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Mesa County Coroner.
The restrained driver of the Ford Pick-up truck has been identified as a 29 year old male from Lakewood, CO. The driver sustained moderate injuries and was treated by medical personnel nearby the scene.
During the course of the investigation it was determined that the trailer that was in tow by the Ford was loaded with large containers of Hydrochloric Acid that had ruptured. The immediate and surrounding area was evacuated pending a response from the Grand Junction Fire Department HazMat Unit.
Alcohol, drugs and speed are not suspected as contributing factors.
The name of both drivers are being with held at this time pending family notification.