1 adult killed, 5 children injured in rollover crash on Colorado highway

One adult was killed and five children were injured in a crash along a Colorado highway, causing a full closure on part of U.S. Highway 50.

UPDATE 2:55 PM: All lanes of U.S. Highway 50 have reopened following the crash.

The crash occurred on the highway near Cañon City where troopers responded to a report about a single-vehicle rollover near mile marker 272 at about 10 a.m. Saturday. One adult was found dead at the scene, Colorado State Patrol Master Trooper Gary Cutler told The Gazette.

Four children were transported to nearby hospitals, and one was flown to a hospital in Colorado Springs. No details on gender, age or extent of injuries were released. The cause of the crash is not yet known, according to State Patrol.

Cutler said the highway would be closed for an unknown period of time while troopers investigate and advised motorists to avoid the area.

A full closure was reported about 10:20 AM. Saturday on U.S. 50 between County Road 69 and Dixon Lane.

US 50 WB: Crash between County Road 69 and Dixon Ln. Road closed. Full closure of highway 50 to a crash at MM 273 near 8 mile hill. Use caution and expect long delays. https://t.co/6S2eRNctpu

— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 3, 2021

A travel notification alerts drivers in the area to use slower speeds and watch for emergency responders. Visit CDOT's Travel Center for updated road conditions and closures.

The stretch of U.S. Highway 50 in this area is popular for motorists between Cañon City and Salida.

Farther west along the highway up Monarch Pass, crews warned motorists Saturday of debris from a rockslide in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 50 at mile marker 195.

US 50 WB: Debris on roadway between County Road 237B and MM 191. Rock slide at MM 195 with rocks in the westbound lane. Use caution and slower speeds. https://t.co/2rZZGonFIc

— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 3, 2021

The westbound lanes have since been opened, according to the transportation department.