Colorado National Guard Says No Wrong-Doing In Accident

COLORADO SPRINGS – The Colorado Army National Guard is not admitting any wrong-doingina February accident involving a tow truck in Colorado Springs.

On Thursday the National guard issued a statement admitting that the mirrorofa military vehicle struck the mirror of a tow truck during a snow storm in Colorado Springs on February 20th, but the National Guard is not admitting any wrong-doing.

The statement issued byColorado Army National Guard Public Affairs Officer CPT Michael A. Odgers says: “We can confirm that the mirror of a military vehicle did impact the mirror of a stationary tow truck that was retrieving a stranded vehicle during a snow storm with very limited visibility conditions. The drivers of the convoy were properly trained, licensed and operating in accordance with military guidelines, and maintaining the proper speeds for the conditions.

The investigation is inconclusive as to the fault of the accident. Inclement weather and poor visibility is most likely the greatest factor that lead to this accident.

While the Colorado Army National Guard trains to operate in any environment, the safety of our citizen-soldiers and the communities they serve is our biggest concern, therefore we will be reevaluating our inclement weather procedures and make any necessary changes.

The driver will not be disciplined but according to policy will take an accident avoidance refresher course.

The military portion of the accident investigation is considered closed, however a civilian investigation is still outstanding by the Highway Patrol.”

Only NEWSCHANNEL 13 reported the incident when it happened and spoke to the tow truck driver who said he was under his truck hooking up chains when the impact happened. Kim Parsons said he was, “scared and shaken.”

The National Guard has not said if it will pay for the damages to the tow truck. Those damages were estimated by the tow company to be around $1,000.