‘Tragedy and a miracle’ as 5-year old rescued day after fatal crash

A 5-year-old New Mexico girl survived more than 30 hours trapped in a truck that crashed and killed her parents on May 1 in southern Colorado, according to first responders.

The Upper Pine River Fire Protection called it “both a tragedy and a miracle” for the girl in a Facebook post.

The vehicle was not discovered until May 2, according to a Colorado State Patrol news release. Police believed the blue Chevrolet S-10 pickup went off the south shoulder of Highway 160 near milepost 104, just east of Bayfield, around 6 a.m. on May 1, rolled over an unknown number of times and came to rest on its roof.

CSP said three occupants were in the truck. Devante Griffin, 25, the driver, and Klariza Tarango, 24, both of Farmington, New Mexico, were pronounced dead at the scene. A 5-year-old girl, identified in media reports as their daughter. was taken to an area hospital for injuries and has been released to family.

What caused the crash?

Colorado State Patrol were still investigating the accident on May 5. A news release said “impairment and excessive speed are not being investigated as factors leading to this crash” at this time.

It also said no charges are expected to be filed in the case.

Why did nobody see the truck sooner?

CSP said in the release that the location was not visible from the road.

Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.