COLORADO SPRINGS — One person is dead following a traffic accident on the south-side of Colorado Springs Saturday morning.
At 2:44 a.m. Saturday CSPD officers were notified of a hit and run traffic accident near Circle Dr. and Monterey Rd. involving a Ford Mustang and a Nissan Murano.
Colorado Springs police say the Nissan was southbound on S. Circle Drive when it was sideswiped by the Ford, which was also southbound. The Ford was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash, according to the police.
The Nissan driver, who was not injured, immediately pulled to the side of the road and called police.
Through their investigation, police say the Ford continued southbound on S. Circle Drive after the initial crash and attempted to exit onto Hancock Expressway.
Police say because the driver was speeding, he lost control of the Ford, ran off the left side of the road, struck a light pole, and then rolled the vehicle, eventually coming to rest on its roof.
The driver, 37-year-old Alfredo R. Palacio, died on scene. He was not wearing a seat-belt at the time of the crash.
Police say in addition to excessive speed, alcohol is believed to be a factor in this crash.
This is the 42nd traffic fatality in Colorado Springs this year. At this time in 2018, there were 48 fatalities.
Anyone with information or who is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
