A tragic crash on westbound Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel claimed the lives of one person and a dog on Thursday afternoon, prompting major travel disruptions and a warning from transportation officials.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) urged Denver-area drivers to avoid traveling to the high country, as the crash caused a complete shutdown of westbound lanes just after 1 p.m. The road didn’t reopen until after 5 p.m., with lingering traffic jams stretching well into the evening.
Crash Involved Semi and Pickup Truck Hauling Trailer
According to authorities, the crash involved a semi-truck and a pickup truck towing a trailer. The impact triggered a large fire and heavy smoke, which further complicated response efforts.
The person and the dog who died were inside the pickup truck. Their identities have not yet been released. Fortunately, the driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Major Delays and Safety Warnings
CDOT officials and Colorado State Patrol issued a strong warning to motorists, advising against traveling from Denver to the mountains via I-70 or US Highway 285 until conditions improved.
“Expect extreme congestion and heat,” CSP warned, especially for those traveling in the afternoon during peak holiday traffic.
The eastbound lanes of I-70 were also closed temporarily following the crash but reopened about an hour later. Still, drivers heading east were told to prepare for heavy holiday backups.
Officials continue to investigate the crash and are reminding travelers to plan ahead, stay patient, and be prepared for delays during the busy Fourth of July weekend.
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