JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — One person is dead after a speeding driver allegedly ran a light and crashed into another car at U.S. 6 and W. Colfax Avenue, authorities said.
It happened just before 4:53 a.m. Friday. Master Trooper Gary Cutler, public information officer with the Colorado State Patrol, said an officer with the Golden Police Department was driving eastbound on U.S. 6 when another driver flew by him going 90 to 100 miles per hour. The posted speed limit in the area is 45 miles per hour.
The officer activated his emergency lights and attempted to catch up to the vehicle. However, authorities say the Malibu ran a red light at the intersection of U.S. 6 and West Colfax Avenue and crashed into an SUV, which burst into flames.
Three passengers in the SUV were able to escape. The officer used a fire extinguisher to put out flames on two of the passengers and pull them away from the burning vehicle.
In total, five people were involved in the crash. All were taken to area hospitals with serious injuries. One person from the Chevrolet Malibu sustained fatal injuries.
The incident is under investigation by a multi-jurisdictional crash response team. Authorities say new information will be released when it becomes available.