Driver killed after truck plunges 150 feet off I-70 near Vail Pass
A truck driver lost his life yesterday when he crashed off of eastbound I-70 through Vail Pass and fell 150 feet into a steep ravine.
Trucker Lost Control, Crossed Into Oncoming Lanes, Rolled Rig
Wow. This horrible crash shut down 70 E for hours (1 lane still closed). Crews say they haven’t seen anything quite like it before. #9news pic.twitter.com/8iay1O26Ud
— Jessica Oh (@Jessica9NEWS) September 22, 2017
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash happened just after 5 p.m. yesterday near mile marker 182. A 64 year old truck driver was traveling westbound along the interstate with a fully loaded truck when for some reason he crossed over into the eastbound lanes and crashed. The truck rolled and then part of it fell down into a ravine, where it sparked a grass fire. Most of the trailer remained dangling near the edge of the ravine.
Yesterday’s Vail Pass accident report and images. https://t.co/6ZJP83cx2q @9NEWS @DenverChannel @CBSDenver @denverpost pic.twitter.com/bYg3isQGiW
— EC Paramedics (@ECParamedics) September 22, 2017
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The truck driver lost his life as a result of the crash. His identity has not yet been released.
No other injuries were reported.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire by 6:30 p.m.
Truck Removal Results In Lengthy Road Closures
The interstate was closed for about three hours while crews fought the fire and searched for the truck driver.
Vail Fire, Eagle River Fire, Vail Police, Vail Mountain Rescue Group were all on scene to assist the Colorado State Patrol in what was called a “very complex” rescue attempt.
It isn’t clear why the driver lost control of his truck.
Eastbound I-70 was closed down starting this morning at mile marker 176 so that crews could continue efforts to remove the truck. The Colorado State Patrol recommends taking Highway 24 to Highway 91 as an alternate route.
I70 EB closed at Vail (exit 176) for crash clean up on Vail Pass. Alt. Route Hwy 24 to Hwy 91. pic.twitter.com/K411h3TPmA
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) September 22, 2017