Horrific Crash on Highway 50 Led to Injuries [Otero County, CO]

Otero County, CO (July 23, 2026) — A Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) employee received a citation for careless driving following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 50 near Rocky Ford on Wednesday.

The collision happened around 11:03 a.m. when a DFPC truck, driven by 33-year-old Curtis O’Leary, was traveling westbound on Highway 50 and attempted to turn left onto Otero County Road 10. Authorities said the truck crossed into the path of an eastbound Toyota RAV4, resulting in a crash.

Emergency crews transported O’Leary and the two occupants of the Toyota—a 75-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman—to a nearby hospital. Officials have not released details about the extent of their injuries.

Investigators confirmed O’Leary, an arson investigator with the DFPC, was not responding to an emergency call at the time of the collision, and the vehicle’s emergency lights and sirens were not in use.

The crash closed both directions of Highway 50 near milepost 357 for about two hours while crews responded and cleared the scene. Traffic was temporarily rerouted to Otero County Road 9.

The Colorado State Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

Keeping the Road Safe is Everyone’s Responsibility

Be a defensive driver to prevent road accidents. Stay alert, maintain a safe distance, and always expect the unexpected. Avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and use your signals. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. A proactive, cautious approach keeps everyone safer on the road. Drive smart, drive safe!

Traffic collisions can happen in an instant, especially at intersections and while making left turns. Always check for oncoming traffic before turning and stay alert behind the wheel. Safe driving habits help protect everyone on the road.

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