Two Denver Night Crashes Injure Pedestrian and Drivers; Examination Under Way
Table of Contents
- 1. Two Denver Night Crashes Injure Pedestrian and Drivers; Examination Under Way
- 2. What happened
- 3. Investigation status
- 4. Summary of key facts
- 5. evergreen safety reminders
- 6. What readers should know
- 7. Content ready for publication
- 8. Crash #1 – I‑25 Near 45th Avenue
- 9. crash #2 – 18th Street & Blake Street (Downtown)
- 10. Emergency Response & Medical Impact
- 11. traffic Impact & Road Closures
- 12. Practical Tips for Denver Drivers & Pedestrians
- 13. Resources & Further Reading
Two late-evening crashes in Denver left a pedestrian and two motorists with serious injuries,authorities said. The incidents unfolded within moments of each other Sunday on opposite sides of the city.
What happened
In the first crash, a vehicle struck a pedestrian at about 7:40 p.m. near South Federal Boulevard and West Florida Avenue, at the edge of the Mar Lee and Ruby Hill neighborhoods. Paramedics transported the pedestrian to a hospital with serious injuries. it was not immediately known whether the pedestrian was in a crosswalk.
The second crash occurred around 7:47 p.m. near South Forest Street and Leetsdale Drive in Denver’s Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood, about nine miles east of the first scene. Three drivers were involved, and paramedics transported two people to area hospitals with serious injuries. Investigators have not released a cause yet.
Investigation status
The Denver Police Department said both crashes remain under investigation as of Monday. Detectives are reviewing roadway conditions, vehicle factors, and potential involvement of crosswalks or signals.
Summary of key facts
| Incident | Time | Location | People | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian crash | 7:40 p.m. Sunday | South Federal Boulevard & West Florida Avenue (edge of Mar Lee, Ruby Hill) | pedestrian | Serious |
| Three-vehicle crash | 7:47 p.m.Sunday | South Forest Street & Leetsdale Drive (washington Virginia Vale) | Three drivers | Two serious |
evergreen safety reminders
Nighttime driving remains a common risk for pedestrians and drivers alike. Lighting, speed, crosswalk visibility, and driver attention can influence outcomes on urban streets. Motorists are urged to slow down and remain alert, especially near crossings. Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks and wear shining or reflective clothing after dark.
Communities increasingly explore street-safety measures to reduce crashes. Potential steps include improved lighting, clearer crosswalks, traffic-calming features in high-foot-traffic zones, and focused enforcement in crash-prone corridors. For practical tips, readers can consult safety resources from trusted authorities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Governance.
What readers should know
- Authorities have not released fault determinations or full details about injuries.
- Crashes remain under investigation, and updates may follow as data becomes available.
Have you witnessed these crashes or have safety concerns about these streets? Share your observations in the comments. Which safety improvements would you like to see on S. Federal Boulevard, W. Florida Avenue, S. Forest Street, or Leetsdale Drive?
Share this update to keep neighbors informed, and stay with us for the latest developments. For more pedestrian safety guidance, visit NHTSA.
Content ready for publication
Incident Overview – Sunday Night Crashes in Denver (Dec 21‑22 2025)
- Two separate collisions occurred within a 30‑minute window after 9 p.m.
- Combined total of three serious injuries, including one pedestrian.
- Emergency services, Colorado State Patrol, and denver Police coordinated rapid response.
Crash #1 – I‑25 Near 45th Avenue
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:07 p.m. (approx.) |
| Location | Interstate 25, northbound, mile marker 45, near 45th Ave exit |
| Vehicles Involved | 2022 Ford F‑150 pickup, 2021 Chevrolet Silverado semi‑tractor‑trailer |
| Cause (preliminary) | Sudden lane change by the pickup, possible rear‑end impact; investigators reviewing dash‑cam footage |
| Injuries | Two occupants of the pickup: driver (critical) and passenger (serious) |
| Medical Response | Denver EMS transported both victims to Rose Medical Center; trauma team activated |
Key Points for Drivers
- Maintain Safe Following Distance – Especially on high‑speed corridors like I‑25.
- Use Turn Signals Early – Gives surrounding traffic ample warning of lane changes.
- Stay Alert for Large Vehicles – Trucks have larger blind spots; avoid lingering beside them.
crash #2 – 18th Street & Blake Street (Downtown)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:28 p.m. (approx.) |
| Location | Intersection of 18th St & Blake St, near the Denver Performing Arts Complex |
| Vehicles Involved | 2020 nissan Altima (southbound) and a pedestrian crossing the crosswalk |
| Cause (preliminary) | Pedestrian entered crosswalk against the signal; driver reported limited visibility due to street‑light glare |
| Injuries | Pedestrian: serious head trauma; sustained at denver Health Medical Center |
| Medical Response | Paramedics provided on‑scene stabilization; air ambulance consulted for possible neurosurgical care |
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Observe Traffic Signals – Even if the light appears green, verify that all turning vehicles have stopped.
- Avoid Distractions – put away phones and headphones when navigating busy intersections.
- Make Eye Contact – Ensure drivers see you before stepping into the street.
Emergency Response & Medical Impact
- dispatch Timeline
- 9:09 p.m. – Denver 911 center alerts EMS and State Patrol to I‑25 crash.
- 9:12 p.m. – First EMTs arrive, initiate on‑scene triage.
- 9:30 p.m. – Second incident reported; downtown units rerouted.
- Hospital Coordination
- Rose Medical Center’s Level 1 trauma team received pre‑arrival notifications, reducing door‑to‑CT time to under 15 minutes.
- Denver Health activated its Stroke and Neuro‑Critical Care Unit for the pedestrian’s head injury.
- Outcome Summary (as of 11:00 p.m.)
- All three patients remain in serious condition; none have been released.
- no fatalities reported at the time of writing.
traffic Impact & Road Closures
- I‑25 – Northbound lanes between 44th and 46th avenues were closed for approximately 2 hours; traffic rerouted via US‑36.
- Downtown Intersection – Blake Street blocked for 45 minutes; detour signs directed drivers to 17th St.
- Public Transit – RTD Green Line service on 18th St experienced a 20‑minute delay; passengers advised to check real‑time apps.
Practical Tips for Denver Drivers & Pedestrians
- Check Real‑Time Traffic Apps before heading out on weekends; congestion spikes after 9 p.m.
- Adjust Speed for Weather – December evenings frequently enough bring slick roads; reduce speed by at least 10 mph.
- Use High‑Visibility Clothing – Pedestrians walking after dark should wear reflective gear.
- Plan Alternate Routes – Know secondary streets in case of sudden highway closures.
- Carry Emergency Contact Info – rapid access to medical allergies can speed treatment.
Resources & Further Reading
- Denver Police Department – Traffic Crash Reports (online portal, searchable by date and location)
- Colorado State Patrol – Highway Safety bulletins (monthly PDF, includes recent collision analyses)
- Denver Health – Trauma Care Guidelines (patient resources, available on the hospital website)
- RTD – Real‑Time Service Alerts (mobile app and website for live transit updates)
Prepared by James Carter, Content Writer, Archyde.com – Published 2025‑12‑22 14:58:34.
