The crash involved 12 cars and three semis, according to Lakewood police. Six people from the crash and resulting fire were taken to a hospital. Lakewood police tweeted at 9 p.m. that there were multiple fatalities in the crash. A specific number was not provided.Lakewood police, firefighters and other emergency personnel responded after receiving a call at 4:50 p.m., Lakewood police spokesman Ty Countryman said.
A West Metro Fire Rescue firefighter was injured by an explosion, fire officials said. The firefighter was hit by debris, likely an exploding tire. His injuries were described as minor.
According to a preliminary investigation, a driver lost control of a semi-truck, resulting in explosions and fire as several vehicles were hit, Countryman said. At least one truck was carrying lumber, and a diesel spill and other fluids added fuel to the fire.
A bridge over the crash site was damaged in the blaze, and engineers from the Colorado Department of Transportation are on hand to check its stability. There is also road damage from the fire.
At 7:15 p.m., officials said the highway would remain closed in both directions for several more hours at least. There’s a chance it will remain closed into Friday morning’s commute.
At about 9 p.m., CDOT announced that westbound lanes are open at Denver West Boulevard with a detour in place. Eastbound lanes, starting at West 6th Avenue, remained closed.
Drivers who used the eastbound stretch of highway are urged to make plans for an alternate route.