Fatal crash on Highway 96 closes lanes in both directions

CROWLEY COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A three-vehicle crash that closed Highway 96 west of Crowley is fatal, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

Kendra Woodward, a 20-year-old from Olney Springs, died at the scene, said CSP in a release Thursday.

The road was closed in both directions around 2:30 p.m. for several hours while CSP investigated the incident.

Woodward's vehicle, a Toyota Camry, was traveling west on Highway 96 when it drifted into the eastbound lane and hit a semi-trailer head on. The Toyota went off the north side of the highway into a field while the Peterbilt slid to a stop partially off the roadway. A Dodge Durango traveling behind the Peterbilt collided with the back end of the trailer.

At one point the semi-truck, which was carrying a tanker, was leaking fuel onto the roadway.

The driver of the Peterbilt was identified as 47-year-old Timothy Geier of Utah. Neither Geier nor the three occupants of the Durango were injured.

Investigators believe distracted driving was the main factor in the crash. They don't believe alcohol, speed or drugs were factors.

The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.