Dodge Caravan Driver Fatally Injured, Passenger Critically Hurt, and Three Subaru Occupants Hospitalized—Two in Serious Condition—Following High-Speed Wrong-Way Crash on I-25 in Central Denver Early Sunday
DENVER, Colorado —
An early Sunday morning crash involving a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on Interstate 25 has led to the tragic death of one person and left four others with injuries ranging from moderate to life-threatening. The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. near the 20th Street exit on northbound I-25, shaking the downtown Denver corridor with its intensity.
According to a statement from the Denver Police Department, the collision involved a Dodge Caravan that was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes at a high rate of speed when it slammed head-on into a Subaru carrying three occupants. The impact was so severe that the driver of the Dodge Caravan, whose name is currently being withheld pending family notification, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The only passenger in the Dodge Caravan was critically injured in the collision. Emergency responders from the Denver Fire Department were forced to cut through the wreckage to reach the trapped individual. Once extricated, the passenger was rushed to a nearby trauma center under emergency conditions.
Meanwhile, all three occupants of the Subaru were transported to the hospital. Two of them sustained serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention, while the third suffered moderate injuries. No identities have been publicly released as of Sunday evening.
Multiple witnesses who were on the highway at the time described the scene as chaotic and traumatic. Debris from both vehicles was strewn across the interstate, and thick plumes of smoke rose from the crushed metal. Several good Samaritans reportedly pulled over to try and assist the injured but were limited in what they could do due to the extensive damage.
The Denver Police Department immediately shut down the northbound lanes of I-25 near the 20th Street exit to allow for medical response, vehicle extraction, and a full accident investigation. The road closure lasted several hours and caused significant traffic disruption through the morning.
Investigators with the department’s Traffic Investigations Unit are actively examining how and why the Dodge Caravan ended up traveling in the wrong direction. They are reviewing traffic surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to trace the vehicle’s movements leading up to the collision. Authorities are also awaiting toxicology results to determine whether alcohol, drugs, or a medical episode may have been contributing factors.
Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications suggest the wrong-way driver may have mistakenly entered I-25 via an off-ramp or intersection. The exact point of entry has not yet been confirmed.
First responders described the scene as one of the most intense single-vehicle-versus-vehicle crashes in recent memory. The force of the collision reportedly crushed the front ends of both vehicles and dislodged major engine components. Several airbags deployed with such violence that dashboard panels were shattered. The Subaru’s occupants had to be removed with extreme caution due to the risk of further injury from twisted metal and interior collapse.
The Denver Medical Examiner has taken custody of the deceased individual’s remains and will perform an autopsy. Their identity will be released once next of kin are notified.
This crash is part of a disturbing trend of wrong-way driving incidents across Colorado in recent years. Though rare, these collisions are typically severe or fatal due to the direct impact and high speeds involved. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has recorded an uptick in such cases and continues to work with local agencies to install better signage, road markers, and alert systems that may help prevent future tragedies.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas addressed the media shortly after the crash, saying:
“This devastating incident serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered on our highways. We are doing everything we can to determine how this happened and prevent similar events in the future. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.”
Transportation safety advocates are calling for accelerated deployment of wrong-way detection systems on Denver-area highways. These systems use sensors and cameras to detect vehicles entering roadways in the wrong direction and can trigger alerts to law enforcement and the driver. While CDOT has piloted such programs in limited areas, broader implementation is still in development.
Mental health and public safety advocates are also stressing the importance of addressing behavioral health issues that can contribute to such incidents, including impaired judgment, confusion, or crises that may lead to fatal decisions on the road.
Family members and friends of the hospitalized victims are reportedly gathering at local hospitals, seeking updates on their loved ones’ conditions. Social media posts from acquaintances ask for prayers and privacy during what they describe as a “shocking and heartbreaking” time.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or captured dashcam footage of the wrong-way driver prior to the collision to contact the Denver Police Traffic Investigations Unit at (720) 337-1000.
Key Facts:
- Crash Time: Approximately 3:00 a.m., Sunday
- Location: Northbound I-25 near the 20th Street exit, central Denver
- Vehicles Involved: Dodge Caravan (wrong-way), Subaru with three occupants
- Fatalities: One individual (driver of Dodge Caravan)
- Injuries: Four total—one critical (Caravan passenger), two serious (Subaru occupants), one moderate
- Investigation Ongoing: Wrong-way entry point, possible intoxication or medical factors under review
This horrific crash underscores the critical need for heightened awareness, improved infrastructure, and rapid-response technology to detect and prevent wrong-way driving incidents. As the investigation continues, the Denver community is left mourning yet another avoidable highway tragedy.
