Crews searching for 3 people in Colorado mudslide

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — Emergency crews are searching for three people reported missing after a large mudslide struck in western Colorado’s Mesa County.

The slide hit Sunday in a remote area near the town of Collbran, about 40 miles east of Grand Junction.

Mesa County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Lisa McCammon says rescuers raced to the scene when it was reported around 6 p.m. MDT, but eased operations after nightfall because the zone is unstable.

She says it will be much safer to search after daylight.

The department estimates the slide is about 4 miles long, 2 miles wide and about 250 feet deep.

McCammon says that there are no reports of any structures damaged or major roads affected.

Officials say heavy rains over the weekend contributed to the slide.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up