A fatal crash closed both directions C-470 in Jefferson County for several hours on Thursday.
Two people, who have not been identified, were killed in the crash that happened around 11 a.m., Master Trooper Gary Cutler said during a roadside news conference that was broadcast by Denver7.
A semitrailer driver was traveling eastbound on C-470 when he crossed through the median, crashed through a guard rail into the westbound lane and then went over a barrier and down a 30 foot embankment, Cutler said.
The semi’s cab burst into flames. The truck also dragged a second car with it, and that car was pinned under the truck’s cab, Cutler said.
The drivers of both vehicles were killed. Investigators are not able to see inside the second car so they do not know whether more people could have been killed.
The eastbound lanes reopened at 2:15 p.m. and the westbound lanes reopened at 6:50 p.m., the state patrol tweeted.
This is what West Metro crews saw as they rolled up on scene of the 470 semi-truck crash around 11:15 this morning.
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire)
Eastbound 470 at Bowles is now reopened. Westbound will be shut through rush hour due to continued crash investigation
— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News)
Drivers of three other cars were injured by flying debris, Cutler said. The semi’s trailer separated from the cab at the barrier. It was hauling sand that spilled on the road.
Crash investigators have not figured out what caused the driver to cross lanes, and they do not know the identity of the company that owns the truck.
:”It’s completely burned,” he said. “You can’t see anything on it.”
Commuters who use C-470 need to find alternate routes home from work, Cutler said.
The closure stretches from U.S. 285 in Lakewood to Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Fatal crash Hwy 470 just east of Bowles ave. multiple cars involved. both directions shutdown for unknown amount of time
— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News)
