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2 dead, 2 injured in head-on collision east of Elizabeth on Highway 86

highway 86 crash east of elizabeth_nov 26 2021.jpg
Posted at 11:56 AM, Nov 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-28 16:01:04-05

ELIZABETH, Colo. — Two people were killed and two others were injured following a head-on collision east of Elizabeth on Highway 86 Friday morning, a spokesperson with the Colorado State Patrol said.

The two-vehicle crash was reported sometime around 9 a.m. It happened on Highway 86 at County Road 27.

CSP Sgt. Michael Carr at the scene told Denver7 a black Hyundai crossed the median, colliding with a blue Mustang traveling on the other side of the road.

The Hyundai may have been involved in a chase with the Elbert County Sheriff's Office before the crash occurred, according to the Carr. However, he later said deputies had tried to make a traffic stop, but it was not confirmed whether there was an active pursuit at the time of the crash.

The driver of the Hyundai was ejected from the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two passengers inside the Hyundai were seriously injured and in critical condition, according to the CSP.

The driver of the Mustang was the only person in the vehicle. This driver was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Ivan Ruiz, who lives in the area, said he heard the crash occur. When he ran over, he said law enforcement was already on scene.

"I saw a person on the ground, and he wasn’t even moving," Ruiz said. “I was trying to run over there to help when the cop told me to stop and go back.”

Ruiz said vehicles often speed on this stretch of road.

Highway 86 was closed in both directions for several hours. It reopened around 3:45 p.m.

This is a developing story and will be updated.