Six Teens Injured in Crash on Interstate 70 near Rifle

On November 24, 2009 at approximately 12:50 p.m., Colorado State Troopers responded to the serious injury crash on westbound Interstate 70 at milepost 86. A silver 1998 Nissan Sentra was westbound before losing control. The vehicle traveled off the roadway through a deer fence. The vehicle then became airborne over a dry creek bed. The vehicle struck the side of an embankment and rolled.
The restrained driver has been identified as Juan Moreno-Zavala, age 17 of Glenwood Springs, Colo. Moreno-Zavala sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to St Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction.

The five passengers have been identified as:

· Jonathan Aguirre-Anchondo, age 19 of Glenwood Springs, Colo. He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to St Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. (Restrained)

· Ivan Moreno-Zavala, age 18 of Glenwood Springs, Colo. He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to St Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. (Unrestrained and ejected)

· Valaria Castillo, age 16 of Glenwood Springs, Colo. She sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to St Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. (Unrestrained and ejected)

· Mavel Rodriguez, age 15 of Glenwood Springs, Colo. She sustained minor injuries and was transported Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. (Unrestrained and ejected)

· Jenny Lisseth-Medin, age 16 of Glenwood Springs, Colo. She sustained minor injuries and was transported Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. (Unrestrained and ejected)

Alcohol or drugs are not suspected as contributing factors. However, speed is being investigated as a possible contributing factor.

The crash is still under investigation.

The Colorado State Patrol reminds motorists to ensure they are always wearing their seatbelts when traveling along Colorado's highways.

###
Submitted by: Trooper Ryan Sullivan