A horrific accident on Interstate-70 outside Denver, Colorado, left one person dead and the highway ablaze after a car collided with a tanker truck carrying diesel and gasoline.
In a terrifying incident that unfolded along Interstate-70 outside Denver, Colorado, a tanker truck carrying diesel and gasoline burst into flames following a collision with a car. The resulting inferno consumed the tanker trailer and sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Tragically, one person lost their life in the fiery wreck, while the tanker truck driver suffered injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
As the flames raged, motorists on Interstate-70 were forced to make quick maneuvers. Videos captured by drivers in the area showed vehicles turning around and heading in the wrong direction as the inferno blocked the roadway. Honking horns echoed through the smoke-filled air as panicked drivers sought a safe escape route.
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) released initial information indicating that the crash began when a westbound semi-truck experienced overheating and pulled over onto the right shoulder. However, tragedy struck when a car careened into the parked trailer, sparking the catastrophic fire.
Spilled fuel from the ruptured tanker truck flowed through a nearby culvert and crossed into the eastbound lanes of Interstate-70. Authorities were concerned about the potential damage to the culvert resulting from the intense heat of the fire.
The aftermath of the accident left a trail of destruction. The tanker truck was completely engulfed in flames, reducing it to a charred wreck. Firefighters from multiple agencies worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, bringing the inferno under control after several hours.
CSP Trooper Gabriel Moltrer confirmed that the tanker truck was transporting both diesel and gasoline. The driver of the car that collided with the tanker truck was pronounced dead at the scene, while the tanker truck driver was hospitalized for treatment of undisclosed injuries.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office called in a Hazmat team to assist with the cleanup operation. Several small fires that had ignited in the aftermath of the main inferno were also extinguished by firefighters.
The busy roadway was closed for an extended period of time as emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire, remove the wreckage, and clean up the spilled fuel. Commuters faced significant delays and detours as authorities prioritized safety and recovery efforts.
The crash and subsequent fire raised concerns about the safety of transporting hazardous materials on public roads. Colorado Governor Jared Polis extended his condolences to the victim's family and expressed gratitude to the first responders who risked their lives to control the blaze.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with the CSP working to determine the exact cause of the collision. Authorities are also evaluating the potential long-term effects of the fire on the infrastructure of Interstate-70 and the surrounding environment.
