A late-morning collision at a busy Grand Junction intersection sent three people to the hospital Saturday, two of them with life-threatening injuries, raising concerns about traffic safety in the area.
The crash, which occurred around 10:05 a.m. on April 19 at the intersection of 24 1/2 Road and Highway 6 and 50, involved two vehicles. Grand Junction Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene, where the situation escalated quickly.
A Sudden Collision on a Busy Route
Saturday morning traffic was typical—steady, but not overwhelming. Locals were out running errands, grabbing coffee, heading to work. Then, out of nowhere, everything stopped.
Two vehicles collided near one of Grand Junction’s well-traveled intersections. Witnesses nearby say it happened in a flash—one loud bang followed by shouts and sirens.
Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) confirmed that officers arrived within minutes. The area was immediately closed off as investigators and medics got to work.
Three Hospitalized, Two in Critical Condition
The Grand Junction Fire Department responded alongside police and handled medical transport.
Two of the individuals involved had life-threatening injuries, officials said. Another person suffered what was described as minor injuries and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
That’s three people, three lives upended in seconds.
One GJFD spokesperson said the two critically injured patients were rushed with “lights and sirens” to ensure the fastest care possible.
First Responders Moved Fast
The coordination between departments was quick and sharp.
Police directed traffic and secured the crash site, while fire and medical crews focused on the victims. The intersection, known for its regular flow of vehicles, turned into a hive of flashing lights and high-alert activity.
By 10:30 a.m., the area was fully blocked off. Emergency crews continued their work while investigators started to piece together what happened.
Here’s what we know so far:
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The crash involved two vehicles, though the makes and models haven’t yet been released.
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No fatalities were reported as of Saturday afternoon.
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Both critically injured individuals were alive when transported to the hospital.
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Police have not confirmed whether speed or intoxication played a role.
A Closer Look at the Intersection
Locals know 24 1/2 Road and Highway 6 and 50. It’s not a quiet corner.
This intersection is a key connector between Grand Junction’s residential neighborhoods and its commercial zones. It sees a lot of use—both from commuters and large delivery trucks.
The city has previously flagged it for potential upgrades due to increased traffic flow over the past decade.
Here’s a quick look at reported incidents in the area:
Year | Reported Accidents | Injuries | Fatalities |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | 14 | 8 | 0 |
2023 | 19 | 11 | 1 |
2024 | 17 | 9 | 0 |
That’s nearly 50 accidents in three years within just a few hundred feet of where Saturday’s crash occurred.
Police Investigating the Cause
As of now, GJPD hasn’t released a cause.
Officers on site interviewed witnesses, reviewed camera footage from nearby buildings, and gathered data from the damaged vehicles. Reconstruction specialists are expected to look deeper into the details in the coming days.
A statement from GJPD said: “We’re actively investigating this crash and will release more information as it becomes available. Our priority right now is the wellbeing of the individuals involved.”
That said, locals are already speculating about potential speeding or red-light violations, though nothing official has been shared on that front.
A Jarring Reminder for Drivers
This isn’t just a news headline. For many Grand Junction residents, it’s a wake-up call.
A crash like this—at a known intersection, in broad daylight—puts everyone on edge. It’s not about assigning blame yet. It’s about remembering how fragile things can be behind the wheel.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods said it’s not the first time they’ve heard sirens near that spot. One local business owner said, “You just always kind of hold your breath when you hear something out there. You hope it’s not serious, but sometimes it is.”
One sentence: And this time, it really was.
What’s Next?
The area was cleared by early afternoon, and traffic resumed by around 1:15 p.m., though with a noticeable hush.
Police will likely release more details about the investigation in the coming days, especially if charges are considered or safety recommendations are made.
As of Sunday morning, no names of the injured have been made public, and authorities have not indicated whether any citations have been issued.
Meanwhile, families wait for updates at the hospital, and a community quietly takes note of another dangerous moment on a road it knows all too well.