LAS ANIMAS COUNTY, COLORADO — One person was killed late Wednesday night after a head-on collision between two semi-trucks on Highway 287 just north of the Oklahoma state line, a crash that also involved a third semi that left the roadway while trying to avoid the impact, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

CSP said the crash happened around 11:39 p.m. near milepost 3. Investigators said a driver operating a Peterbilt semi hauling a trailer was traveling southbound when the truck crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound Peterbilt semi also hauling a trailer.

^{Photo credit: Colorado State Patrol}

Authorities said the southbound Peterbilt came to rest in the southbound lanes and caught fire. The driver of that truck was pronounced dead at the scene, CSP said.

The driver of the northbound Peterbilt — identified as a Texas man — veered off the right side of the roadway and came to a stop, according to investigators.

CSP said a Florida man driving a Volvo semi hauling a trailer was traveling behind the southbound Peterbilt at the time of the crash. Troopers said he drove off the right side of the road to avoid the collision and struck a barbed wire fence before stopping.

Officials did not release the condition of the other two drivers. CSP said Highway 287 was closed for about 10 hours while crews investigated and cleared the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact CSP dispatch at (719) 544-2424 and reference case VC260027.

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