Mudslides trap semi, shut down Colo. highway

A portion of Highway 285 in Colorado has been shut down after a severe thunderstorm kickstarted a series of mudslides. 

The mudslides happened at around 9:15 p.m. in Chaffee County and the closure is in effect from milepost 121 to milepost 125. 

The mudslide trapped several passenger vehicles and at least one semi truck, reported KKTV 11 News. No injuries have been reported as a result of the mudslide. 

Colorado Department Of Transportation crews began working to clear the roadway almost immediately, but the portion of the road is expected to remain closed until mid-morning on Wednesday. 

Colorado State Patrol recommends the following detours:

If traveling south, turn west on Highway 50 from Poncha Springs to Highway 114. Turn east (left) on Hwy 114 to Saguache and Highway 285. If traveling north on Hwy 285, turn west (left) on Hwy 114 in Saguache, Hwy 114 to Highway 50, the east to Poncha Springs.

UPDATE…. Major Closure per CDOT. Poncha Pass to remain closed through the night.

— CSP Florence (@CSP_Florence) July 7, 2021