A Colorado man survived a 300-foot fall down a ravine along U.S. 550’s Million Dollar Highway after his Ford F-150 went off the roadway, escaping with only minor injuries despite severe damage to the truck.
A Dangerous Stretch of Highway
The crash occurred October 9 near Ouray, on a section of highway known for steep cliffsides, sharp blind curves, minimal guardrails, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
A Difficult Rescue
Ouray Mountain Rescue responded alongside EMS and fire crews after reports that a vehicle had gone off the roadway. Crews found the truck overturned in the rocky bed of the Uncompahgre River, severely damaged in the fall. Rescue teams used rope systems to reach the driver and safely bring him back up to the roadway.
Extent of the Damage
Photos from the scene show the truck’s cab crushed and surrounded by boulders, underscoring how serious the fall was. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver’s injuries were reported as minor.
Cause Still Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. The stretch of highway remains a known hazard for drivers, particularly as winter weather conditions begin to set in, and officials continue to encourage caution on the route’s sharper turns.