30-Vehicle Crash in Colorado Blamed on 'Brown Out'

Blowing dirt caused near-zero visibility on Interstate 25, leading to multiple collisions.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:15am

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Four people were killed and 29 others were hospitalized after over 30 vehicles, including six semitrailers, collided on Interstate 25 in Colorado due to a 'brown out' caused by blowing dirt that made visibility nearly impossible, authorities said.

Why it matters

Major highway crashes like this one can have significant impacts on public safety, traffic, and the local economy, highlighting the need for better infrastructure and emergency response planning to handle extreme weather events that reduce visibility.

The details

The crashes occurred around 10am on Tuesday just south of Pueblo when heavy winds kicked up dirt and debris, creating a 'brown out' that left drivers with almost no visibility on the interstate. The collisions happened on both sides of the highway, resulting in four fatalities and 29 people being transported to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe. In addition, four goats in a trailer were killed in one of the northbound crashes.

  • The crashes occurred around 10am on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Colorado State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25.

Maj. Brian Lyons

A spokesperson for the Colorado State Patrol who provided details about the crashes caused by the 'brown out' conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Visibility was next to nothing.”

— Maj. Brian Lyons, Colorado State Patrol

What’s next

Authorities will continue investigating the crashes and assessing any potential infrastructure or policy changes needed to improve safety on the interstate during severe weather events.

The takeaway

This tragic multi-vehicle pileup highlights the dangers of extreme weather conditions that can rapidly reduce visibility on major highways, underscoring the need for better emergency planning, driver education, and potential roadway design improvements to enhance safety during 'brown outs' and other visibility-limiting events.