The Latest: 4 dead in fiery pileup on I-70 near Denver
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Latest on fatal pileup on Interstate 70 near Denver (all times local):
10:10 a.m.
Colorado officials say four people have died after a semi-truck hauling lumber plowed into vehicles on Interstate 70, causing a fire so intense that it melted the roadway and metal off of cars.
Authorities had to wait until daylight Friday to confirm the death toll from Thursday’s 28-vehicle pileup because of the devastation caused by the fire.
Six people were taken to hospitals with injuries. Their conditions are unclear.
Lakewood police spokesman Ty Countryman says the driver of the truck who caused the crash sustained minor injuries. He has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide.
Officials say the driver was headed down a hill when he slammed into slower traffic. Countryman says there is no indication the crash was intentional.
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7:40 a.m.
A truck driver blamed for causing a deadly pileup involving over two dozen vehicles near Denver has been arrested on vehicular homicide charges.
Lakewood police spokesman Ty Countryman said Friday that there’s no indication that drugs or alcohol played a role in Thursday’s crash.
The unidentified driver was headed down a hill on Interstate 70 when he slammed into slower traffic and sparked a massive fire. Countryman said police are looking at whether his brakes were working properly.
He said 28 vehicles were involved, up from the initial 15 vehicles police reported after further sorting through the burned wreckage.
Police still say there were multiple fatalities but are still working to provide an exact number.
The highway is expected to remain closed until Saturday.
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