DENVER (KDVR) — A semitrailer that caught fire on Interstate 70 near Silverthorne has closed the westbound lanes of the interstate Sunday morning.
According to a Colorado State Patrol spokesperson, the first call came in around 5:45 a.m. Sunday, after the semitrailer caught fire. The semitrailer was the only vehicle involved, said CSP.
On Sunday night, CSP provided an update, stating that three people were killed in the crash.
A 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old from Deming, NM, and a nine-year-old from Jacksonville, Fla., were pronounced dead at the scene, according to CSP. Their identities will be released once the next of kin has been notified.
The roadway was reopened around 6 p.m.
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A semitrailer that caught fire on Interstate 70 near Silverthorne has closed the westbound lanes of the interstate Sunday morning. -
A semitrailer that caught fire on Interstate 70 near Silverthorne has closed the westbound lanes of the interstate Sunday morning. -
A semitrailer that caught fire on Interstate 70 near Silverthorne has closed the westbound lanes of the interstate Sunday morning. -
A semitrailer that caught fire on Interstate 70 near Silverthorne has closed the westbound lanes of the interstate Sunday morning. -
A semitrailer that caught fire on Interstate 70 near Silverthorne has closed the westbound lanes of the interstate Sunday morning.
CSP said the truck went off the right side of the interstate and crashed, then caught fire.
“All occupants of the semi were pronounced dead on the scene,” CSP said. “Due to the extensive damage and fire to this vehicle, first responders are unable to confirm the number of occupants at this time.”
The truck appears to have been carrying pet food, photos from the scene show and a CSP spokesperson said.
The westbound side of the interstate was closed at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel, and drivers were advised to take an alternate route.
“It was very slow,” visiting driver Rancho Iyer said. “We had to make several adjustments to drive up.”
The couple said they were planning to get to Breckenridge in time for lunch, but the traffic quickly changed their plans.
“We started our day at like 2:30 in the morning,” added Bala Iyer. “We’re probably planning on having dinner at 4 o’clock now.”
Officials had not given an estimated reopening time but said the westbound lanes would be closed for an extended period of time.
“You’ve got to get from point A to B, and if it takes a little longer, well, that’s the way it goes,” said John McCurdy, who was driving from Golden to Meeker.
CSP is asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash and not spoken to investigators to contact Colorado State Patrol Dispatch at (970) 249-4392, and reference VC250372.