GILPIN COUNTY – A quiet Monday morning in Gilpin County turned into hours of disruption and teamwork after an Amtrak train struck a semi tractor-trailer on South Beaver Creek Road on July 14, 2025.

The crash happened late in the morning at a railroad crossing near the intersection of South Beaver Creek and Pactolus Lake Road. 

Authorities confirmed there were 268 passengers and 10 crew members on the train. No one on the train was seriously hurt, but the semi driver was airlifted by Flight for Life to a hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. 

Investigators say the driver was cited for failing to stop at the crossing.

Highway 72 was briefly shut down in both directions, and roads near the site, including Pactolus Lake Road and South Beaver Creek Road, remained closed well into the afternoon as emergency crews worked the scene and heavy equipment cleared debris. Travelers were turned around at multiple points and asked to avoid the area.

Cleanup crews spent several hours removing damaged parts of the truck and inspecting the tracks before reopening the roads. 

By 6 p.m., officials announced that all closures had been lifted and traffic was moving normally again.

The Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office thanked multiple agencies for their fast response and long hours on scene. They also expressed gratitude to local residents for their patience while the area was secured and cleared.

In a small but memorable act of kindness, two neighbors stepped in before first responders arrived. They stayed with the injured truck driver to comfort him and helped guide vehicles away from the crossing until deputies took over.

Officials urge residents to follow the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for verified updates during emergencies and remember always to stop at railroad crossings.