UPDATE: I-70 westbound is back open, while I-70 eastbound remains closed, and US Highway 6 remains closed in both directions.
The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a serious crash that led to the closure of I-70 in both directions, a wildfire and power outages for several communities in Eagle County.
The interstate and Highway 6 could be closed in both directions overnight, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
CDOT
State troopers told CBS News Colorado that there was a reported head-on collision between a dump truck and an SUV on Highway 6 about 1:12 p.m. The crash happened at Mile Marker 155, close to Wolcott. Highway 6 was shut down from Wolcott to Eagle on Thursday afternoon.
The SUV driver was seriously injured and rushed to the hospital.
Investigators said that the dump truck went into a body of water after the crash and ignited. The fire sparked a wildfire. The fire spread quickly but firefighters were able to get it under control. Crews remained on scene to extinguish hot spots.
Interstate 70 was closed so that fire crews could easily access the wildfire. The closure went into place early Thursday afternoon and there was a big backup on the interstate afterward. The closure is expected to last overnight.
CDOT
CDOT recommends that drivers use the northern alternate route to avoid the closure. CDOT said the “alternate route is recommended because the safety closure is expected to last several hours. The wildfire is causing heavy smoke on the interstate and the fire may expand quickly due to weather conditions.”
Drivers coming from the Denver metro area or I-25 are urged to “travel westbound on I-70 to Silverthorne, then turn north onto CO 9 or Colorado Highway 131. Each roadway will connect with US Highway 40. Motorists should turn west onto US 40 towards Craig. After reaching Craig, motorists can return south via CO 13 towards Rifle. Access to I-70 westbound is at Rifle.”
Drivers traveling eastbound from Utah or Grand Junction can reach the Denver metro area by traveling the route above in reverse.
At least one power pole was knocked over and that led to a power outage in Wolcott, Eagle, Lake Creek, and Edwards. It is unclear when power will be restored.
A Colorado Department of Transportation camera showed a long line of cars stuck on I-70.
