Crash in Chaffee County kills 2, injures 4

Two people are dead, and four others — including two children — were taken to the hospital after a crash just after midnight Tuesday in Chaffee County.

A Dodge Ram was going west on Highway 24 about four miles east of Johnson Village (MAP) when it began to spin into the oncoming lane of traffic, according to a report by the Colorado State Patrol. The truck was driven by 57-year-old Joel Rash of Colfax, Iowa.

The truck collided into a Ford Explorer and sent the Explorer rolling down an embankment multiple times, according to CSP.

Rash and his passenger, 34-year-old Sally Merritt-Rash, were both killed in the crash.

Ronaldrick Yazze, 34, of Lakewood was driving the Explorer. He and his three passengers, aged 23, 11 and 7, were taken to a hospital in Salida. Their conditions weren’t released.

The crash is still under investigation — Colorado State Patrol says alcohol and drugs don’t appear to be factors, but speed is a possible cause. CSP said all occupants were wearing their seat belts.