5 Children and 3 Adults from Girls' Hockey Team Injured After Snowplow Hits Van

The crash on Interstate 70 in Colorado left one person dead and several others hospitalized.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:07am

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Multiple members of a Santa Clarita, California girls' hockey team were injured when their van was struck by a snowplow truck that lost control on Interstate 70 in Colorado on Thursday, January 29. The driver of the van, believed to be the father of one of the players, was killed in the crash. Five children and three adults from the hockey team were transported to local hospitals, with one child airlifted in critical condition.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the dangers that young athletes can face while traveling to competitions, and the importance of road safety, especially in inclement weather conditions. The Santa Clarita Flyers Hockey Club has rallied the community to support the affected families as they cope with this devastating loss.

The details

According to authorities, the Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow was traveling westbound on I-70 when the driver lost control, crossed the median, and struck the eastbound sprinter van carrying the girls' hockey team. The van then went down an embankment. In addition to the van, the snowplow also collided with a Toyota Tacoma and a BMW. No other serious injuries were reported from those other vehicles.

  • The crash occurred around 8:53 a.m. local time on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
  • The eastbound I-70 has since reopened, but the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

The players

Santa Clarita Flyers Hockey Club

The youth hockey organization that the injured players are a part of.

Prescott Littlefield

The president of the Santa Clarita Flyers Hockey Club.

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What they’re saying

“We ask that you keep our hockey families in your prayers and that you give them time to sort through the details of this tragic event.”

— Santa Clarita Flyers Hockey Club (Instagram)

“It's devastating. It hits home really hard for everybody.”

— Prescott Littlefield, President, Santa Clarita Flyers Hockey Club (ABC 7)

What’s next

The Colorado State Patrol and the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks young athletes face when traveling to competitions, and the importance of road safety, especially in challenging winter weather conditions. The Santa Clarita community has rallied to support the affected families during this difficult time.