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.

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Submitted by: Trooper Ryan Sullivan

News Advisory for Tuesday/November 17th--moved to CSP Academy ...Same time

UPDATE: News Advisory for Tuesday/November 17th--Moved to CSP Academy at 10:30 a.m.




Note: The News Briefing hosted by Colonel Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol has been moved to the Colorado State Patrol Academy, same time: 10:30 a.m.Will be held in the parking area outside the Academy front entrance.



The Colorado State Patrol car involved in the crash where two Troopers were seriously injured this past Sunday will be at the site.



Joining Colonel Wolfinbarger in support of this important life and death safety issue, as well as being available for interviews, include:

· Peter Weir/Executive Director Colorado Department of Public Safety

· Ms. Stacey Stegman/Spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Transportation

· Dave Daley/Battalion Chief for the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

· Dave Anderson/Division Chief of Training, North Metro Fire Rescue

· John Connolly/President Elect of the Towing & Recovery Professionals of Colorado

· Ms. Emily Tompkins/Executive Director Colorado Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)



As previously stated by Chief Wolfinbarger, "The CSP would appreciate the assistance of the news media to help us deliver this very serious and important messages to Colorado motorists.



This past weekend three CSP Troopers were seriously injured when they were hit by careless drivers.



Colonel Wolfinbarger and other traffic safety officials from CDOT, fire and other emergency services, have a serious message for motorists driving our highways. This is especially important during the coming months when weather conditions can create hazardous situations for drivers.



Where: Colorado State Patrol Academy

15055 South Golden Road

Golden, CO 80401



When: Tuesday/November 17th

10:30 a.m.



Contacts: Sgt. John Hahn, 303.239.4574 or cell 303.961.2935 or Trooper Ryan Sullivan, 303.239.4583