Rogel Lazaro AguileraUPDATE: Authorities in Denver have identified the driver in Thursday’s fiery crash on Interstate 70 as 23-year-old Rogel Lazaro Aguilera, of Texas. He faces at least two counts of vehicular homicide-reckless driving and appears Saturday afternoon in Jefferson County Court for an advisement hearing, according to a story in The Denver Post.
Officials now say at least four people died in the crash.
See our original story:
Part of Interstate 70 in Denver remained closed today following a horrific crash Thursday afternoon involving four tractor-trailers and 24 other vehicles killing several people and injuring several more. Police say an eastbound flatbed tractor-trailer loaded with lumber struck traffic stopped for an earlier crash between another truck and a school bus triggering several explosions and fires.
A firefighter sprays water on the wreckage of Thursday’s crash on I-70 in Denver. (Lakewood Fire Department photo)The driver of the truck said to have caused the chain-reaction crash was taken into custody is expected to be charged with several counts of vehicular homicide. A spokesman for the Lakewood Police Department this morning said the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. There was no evidence of alcohol or drugs being involved.
While police have not said how many people died in the crash, there are conflicting reports in various media that two or three people died. Six people, including the unidentified driver of the truck that appears to have caused the crash, were taken to hospitals for their injuries. A West Metro Fire Rescue firefighter was injured by flying debris from an explosion.
Various reports say the crash occurred shortly before 4:50 p.m. on eastbound I-70 near the Denver West Parkway. It occurred under a bridge over the interstate.
A Colorado Department of Transportation spokesman today said it could be Saturday morning before normal traffic flow on I-70 is restored. The bridge and highway are being inspected by CDOT.
Firefighters still working some hot spots on I-70 at Denver West. In all, 6 patients from the multi-vehicle crash and resulting fire were transported. @ColoradoDOT engineers on scene to check bridge stability. Firefighters also dealing with diesel fuel spill. pic.twitter.com/8pNg2yL1QP
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) April 26, 2019
We had one West Metro firefighter who was injured on scene while working the vehicle crash and fire on I-70 near Denver West. He was hit by debris when potentially a tire exploded. He has minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/zx5UKi0rlD
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) April 26, 2019
(This is a developing story and we expect to update it later.)
