04/01/2019—Southern Colorado law enforcement agencies are investigating an alleged child abuse case and car crash that sent two young Manzanola girls to the hospital on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
It’s believed the mother of the two children was driving on Colorado State Highway 207, and while heading northbound approached the Arkansas River Bridge, at which time the vehicle left the roadway and landed in the Arkansas River.
A passerby in the area called emergency responders and the two girls (10 and 8) were rescued from the SUV. The female driver was located outside of the vehicle.
All three were transported for medical treatment. While their injuries are serious, they are all expected to survive.
The Otero County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Manzanola Marshal, and the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office are investigating to determine the events leading up to the traffic crash. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has also been requested to provide assistance in the investigation.
There have been no arrests in the case to date.
Because the incident involves allegations involving possible child abuse, information released about the case will be limited.
Manzanola is located approximately 50 miles east of Pueblo.