GEORGETOWN, Colo. — A devastating multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel has left one driver and their dog dead and caused a major fire that led to extensive road closures. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon, prompting officials to divert westbound traffic for several hours as emergency crews managed the scene.
According to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, westbound lanes of I-70 were shut down following the crash near mile marker 218. The Colorado Department of Transportation advised travelers from the Denver area to postpone their plans to head west, citing expected delays due to the heat and traffic congestion.
Thousands of holiday travelers were impacted, with many rerouted back to Denver at Beaver Brook. No injuries were reported for the driver of the semi-truck involved in the crash, but the driver of a Ram truck hauling a trailer was killed in the incident alongside their pet.
Traffic remained stalled as families waited on the highway, some opting to exit their vehicles to relieve pets or converse with fellow motorists. Craig Walker, en route to Frisco with his wife, expressed a sense of solidarity among the stranded. “We figured at this point we’re so close,” he said. “It’s not bad to wait an hour here on the side of the highway, especially since we have our camper.”
Earlier in the day, both directions of I-70 were closed for safety precautions. By mid-afternoon, traffic was allowed to resume in the eastbound lanes after clearing a rerouted line of vehicles that had been impacted by the crash. However, westbound lanes remained closed as crews continued to address the situation, which was complicated by the extreme summer heat.
This tragic accident marks the fourth fatality on I-70 in just two days. On Wednesday, three lives were lost when a Subaru rear-ended a semi-truck. Among the casualties were a Montana woman and two children aged 13 and 10. The driver of the Subaru was subsequently hospitalized and is recuperating.
As investigation and cleanup efforts unfolded, authorities continued to urge caution for drivers, emphasizing the ongoing risks posed by high temperatures and perilous road conditions. The community remains in shock as the events of the past few days highlight the dangers of holiday travel on Colorado’s busy highways.
The situation on I-70 serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of road travel, especially during peak times when conditions can change rapidly. Authorities are urging motorists to remain vigilant and plan accordingly as they proceed with their travel plans amid ongoing closures and heat advisories.