(Rightallegiance.com) – A harrowing scene unfolded on Interstate-70 in Colorado on Thursday as a tanker truck burst into flames following a collision, prompting vehicles to turn around and drive in the wrong direction to escape the inferno.
Tragic Accident Claims One Life
The accident occurred just outside of Denver, resulting in the death of one individual and significant traffic disruptions as emergency responders worked to clear the scene. The Colorado State Patrol provided initial details, stating, “A westbound semi overheated and parked on the right shoulder. A car then crashed into the trailer.”
Dramatic Footage Captures Chaos
Footage captured by a nearby driver showed a blazing fire engulfing the interstate, with black smoke billowing into the sky and vehicles honking as they turned around to escape the danger. The scene was chaotic, with drivers taking desperate measures to avoid the flames.
Hazmat Team Deployed
The Colorado State Patrol reported that fuel from the tanker truck had spilled, flowing through a culvert and across the eastbound lanes. “The culvert needs to be inspected for damage from the fire,” officials noted. The tanker was transporting diesel and gasoline, according to Trooper Gabriel Moltrer of the Colorado State Patrol.
Emergency Response
The collision resulted in the tragic death of the car driver, while the truck driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that several small fires ignited by the crash had been extinguished and that a hazardous materials team was on the scene to manage the situation.
Roadway Closed for Hours
The busy roadway remained closed for several hours as first responders and cleanup crews worked to address the aftermath of the fiery crash. The Colorado State Patrol and local authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact causes and any potential safety measures needed to prevent future occurrences.