One dead, two injured in head-on near Center

SAGUACHE COUNTY — One party was pronounced dead and two other parties were injured in a head-on collision last Friday that closed U.S. Highway 285 for three hours from County Road D to the Highway 112 junction.
On Friday, April 12, at approximately 2:15 p.m., the Colorado State Patrol received a report of a two-vehicle crash on Colorado Highway 285 near milepost 64 in Saguache County, just north of the Center Junction.
Investigation revealed that a gray Toyota Highlander SUV was travelling southbound on Highway 285 and had crossed into the northbound lane.  A gray Peterbilt semi-truck with trailer was traveling north on Highway 285 and attempted to avoid a collision.  The two vehicles collided head-on. 
The driver of the Toyota Highlander, a 73-year-old male, was pronounced deceased on-scene. The passenger of the Highlander, a 73-year-old female, sustained serious injuries and remains in stable condition. The driver of the semi-truck, a 32-year-old male, sustained minor injuries in the crash. 
Names are being withheld pending next of kin notification. The deceased and injured party were not from the Saguache County area, a Saguache County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said.
The crash is still being investigated and excessive speed may be a contributing factor.  Alcohol and drugs are not suspected. All occupants were wearing their seatbelts.