Multiple people lost their lives in a large crash and fire that shut down Interstate 70 in both directions in Lakewood, Colorado.
According to the Lakewood Police Department, a tractor-trailer heading down a hill crashed into slower traffic in the afternoon hours of Thursday, April 25.
A police spokesman said the fiery pileup involved 15 vehicles and multiple people were killed.
At least one person was killed and several others were injured in a large crash and fire that involved 15 vehicles on Interstate 70 west of Denver.
Officials closed the interstate as firefighters fought the flames of the burning vehicles, including multiple tractor-trailers, with water on Thursday afternoon.
Video footage from a helicopter showed the flames whipping off vehicles.
EB I70 is CLOSED at Ward Rd by this crash. School bus, tanker, and several cars involved. No word on injuries but several children are being evaluated in the 2 ambulances on scene. #cotraffic @KOANewsRadio pic.twitter.com/Tf5rwVvdsB
— Dave Hunter (@KOAJetcopter) April 25, 2019
Crash at Interstate 70: More than one person was killed
One of the firefighters suffered minor injuries when he was hit by debris, possibly from an exploding tire.
Six others were hospitalized after the horrific incident, which happened when a tractor-trailer headed east down a hill slammed into slower traffic during rush hour.
Their conditions are unknown at the moment.
Ty Countryman with the Lakewood Police Department confirmed Thursday night that more than one person was killed in the crash.
“We have now confirmed multiple fatalities in this,” Countryman said at a press conference around 9 p.m. local time.
Ty Countryman with the Lakewood Police Department confirmed Thursday night that more than one person was killed in the crash.
But didn’t have an exact death toll.
“We still are just getting to the wreckage.”
Ty Countryman was also cited by 9News as vowing to investigate the cause of the tragedy.
“We have to try and figure out why this happened,” Countryman said.
Devastating scene on I-70 and Colorado Mills Pkwy where a deadly crash investigation continues. Tune in to #CBS4Mornings for the very latest #cotraffic @cbsdenver pic.twitter.com/OoGMy7DAvI
— Andrea Flores (@AndreaFloresTV) April 26, 2019
Eyewitness captured footage
“The semi coming into the slower traffic. There’s got to be a reason. We’ll investigate and find out.”
According to The Epoch Times, investigators have begun interviewing witnesses to try understand exactly what happened.
A local YouTuber, Joshua McCutchen, who goes by the name “Burger Planet,” was close to the accident. He captured footage from the scene of the crash and interviewed an eyewitness..
Very heartbreaking situation and until the investigation is finalized, it’s very rude and hateful to make any assumptions on the truck driver.
Prayers for all involved ?
