Huge Tanker Fire Shuts Down I-25 In Denver
A massive tanker truck fire has shut down Denver’s I-25 in both directions from Orchard Road to Belleview.
Explosions Reported Following I-25 Tanker Truck Fire
I-25 is shut down in both directions from Orchard to Belleview due to a tanker fire. Traffic is backed up for mile… https://t.co/OXzeITSrWE pic.twitter.com/xSpwsxggN5
— 9NEWS Denver (@9NEWS) May 31, 2017
The fire broke out around noon when a tanker truck was driving north on I-25 about 12 miles south of downtown Denver. A witness reported that the tanker truck was already smoking when it crashed into a median, sending up a huge fireball and large amounts of black smoke. Witnesses also reported hearing three or four large explosions and said that they saw tires flying.
#BREAKING Firefighters ran out of foam as tanker burns on I25 in #Denver Tech Cntr-Traffic stopped N & S. @CBSDenver https://t.co/fpdKUoDgNP pic.twitter.com/fpF0SFloC5
— Alan Gionet (@AlanGTV) May 31, 2017
Trucker Rescued From Burning Rig
According to reports, local road crews were able to pull the truck driver from the flaming cab. The trucker’s rescuers also reportedly put out a fire burning the man’s leg. The truck driver was taken to the hospital for treatment. His current condition is unknown.
No other injuries were reported.
Firefighters are using foam to try to contain the flames.
At a meeting in DTC and diverted to fire on S I25 & Orchard. pic.twitter.com/dvvcaBBrly
— Monica Lang (@MonicaLang49) May 31, 2017
The Colorado Department of Transportation is reporting miles-long backups on I-25 and I-225. I-25 could remain closed for hours.
Here’s what I-25 looks like with no traffic as crews continue cleanup on the tanker fire. (pic by @ACrossPhoto) https://t.co/Hpw0D7DHrf pic.twitter.com/fnky2N0PFz
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) May 31, 2017
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
upd:I-25 remains closed thru Tech Center b/t C-470-I-225 during ongoing vehicle fire cleanup;Expect extremely long delays thru area;alt rte
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) May 31, 2017