Four dead and 29 injured in brownout-related pileup on I-25 near Pueblo, Colorado
At least four people were killed, and 29 were injured in a multi-vehicle pileup on Interstate 25, just south of Pueblo, Colorado, on February 17, 2026. Authorities said strong winds caused brownout conditions, reducing visibility to near zero along the route.
A series of crashes on Interstate 25 south of Pueblo early Tuesday morning left at least four people dead and 29 others injured after high winds whipped dirt across the roadway, reducing visibility to near zero and contributing to a pileup involving more than 30 vehicles, officials said.
The multi-vehicle collision occurred shortly after 10:00 local time on February 17, when high winds and blowing dirt produced sudden brownout conditions along the busy northbound stretch of I-25 about 40 miles (64 km) south of Colorado Springs, according to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).
CSP Major Brian Lyons said the wind-driven dust drastically reduced visibility, catching motorists off guard and triggering a catastrophic chain reaction involving semitrailers, passenger vehicles, and trucks pulling trailers. “Visibility was next to nothing,” Lyons said.
All 29 injured were transported to hospitals, of whom at least seven people experienced serious injuries. Meanwhile, 10 people who were involved in the crash were unhurt and remained at the scene. School buses were brought in to take them to another location.
Crashes affected both lanes of the I-25. Fatalities were reported only on the northbound lane, while only property damage occurred along the southbound lane. While the northbound lanes remained closed, the southbound lanes were reopened at around 14:30 local time (LT) on February 17.
“I-25 is currently closed northbound between mile markers 91 and 94 due to a multiple-vehicle crash. Crews are working the scene, and there is no estimated time of reopening. Traffic is using the frontage road to detour around the closure, and the southbound side is now open. Travelers should be aware of the possibility of blowing dust and high winds creating visibility issues in the area,” the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said.
One of the vehicles was a pickup hauling a trailer carrying 32 goats, four of which died, the patrol said. They had to bring in specialty vehicles to remove animals from the scene.
A wind restriction is in place for I-25 from Pueblo to the New Mexico state line. During a restriction, high-profile vehicles are required to park or turn around to avoid rollovers.
Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for multiple mountain areas, while High Wind Watches are in effect east of I-25. Mountain snows will affect higher elevations, with two waves of storms continuing into February 18, with a possible weekend storm behind them for February 19.
As the systems push through, high winds will likely create visibility issues, drifting snow, and difficult driving conditions. Along and east of I-25, high winds will create elevated fire danger and the potential for blowing dust across eastern Colorado.
“Eastern Colorado will be dry, but high winds will create high fire danger. If power outages are required, treat dark intersections as 4-way stops,” said CSP.
Winds and heavy snow will create difficult driving conditions across the mountains through February 18, as blowing snow reduces visibility. Commercial vehicles must have adequate tire chains or alternative traction devices on all mountain roadways.
“All commercial motor vehicles with a GVWR of 16 000 pounds or more, must carry chains or approved alternate traction devices between September and May on most Colorado mountain corridors, including portions of I-70, US 40, US 50, US 550, US 160 and US 285,” the CSP said.
Feature image credit: StormChasingVideo (stillshot)
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Wow.. its these “out of the blue” weather moments that seem so disturbing… I have seen many forecasters struggling to do forcasts as of late. Very strange…. fantastic footage…