Denver, Colorado – Interstate 70 in the western part of the Denver metro area faced closures in both directions after a crash involving a tanker truck led to a fatal fire. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, resulting in one confirmed fatality and injuries to the truck driver. The eastbound lanes were reopened by 4:30 p.m., but the westbound lanes remained closed, causing significant traffic congestion.
According to Colorado State Patrol Golden, the crash involved a tanker truck that had overheated, leading to a collision with another vehicle. The impact caused a fire that engulfed the tanker and spilled fuel onto the eastbound lanes of I-70. Authorities worked to contain the fire and investigate the cause of the crash. The closure of the interstate led to extensive delays and disruptions for commuters in the area.
Emergency responders and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) personnel worked diligently to clean up the scene and assess any damage caused by the fire. The incident prompted a coordination of efforts to address the various components of the emergency response, including handling hazardous materials and firefighting.
The closure of I-70 impacted alternate routes, forcing drivers to use US 40 frontage road or US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon. CDOT advised drivers to expect extended delays on all alternate routes as efforts to reopen the westbound lanes continued. The closure had repercussions beyond just the traffic congestion, affecting events such as high school graduations and adding to the challenges of navigating through the busy Denver metro area.
As authorities worked to resolve the aftermath of the fiery crash and reopen the westbound lanes of I-70, motorists and residents in the area faced uncertainty and delays. The incident served as a reminder of the potential dangers of accidents involving tanker trucks and the coordinated response required to ensure the safety and security of the affected area.