75-vehicle pileup shuts down I-70 near Loveland Colorado

At least 75 vehicles were trapped in a massive chain reaction crash on a Colorado highway Tuesday, authorities said.

The crashes occurred in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver, primarily near Loveland Ski Area, and followed a chaotic morning that saw six separate wrecks, mostly on the same highway, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.

The latest crash forced a two-way lane closure on Interstate 70, officials said, as photos released by authorities showed emergency crews assisting drivers at the scene.

“The closure is due to a severe multi-vehicle crash on the east side of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel this afternoon,” the Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT) said. he said. “There is no estimated time for reopening at this time.”

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Based on photos, the crashes appear to have occurred on a snow-covered road as winter weather may have created dangerous driving conditions in the mountain corridor.

The area near Loveland Ski Area has long been known as a major bottleneck on I-70, especially as ski traffic combines with travelers traveling to and from the Denver area in the spring.

Authorities have not yet reported any injuries.

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A snow-covered highway near the Eisenhower Tunnel is shown under hazardous conditions on April 14. (Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office)

Earlier in the day, authorities reported six crashes in the morning, some involving single vehicles and others. multi-vehicle collisions. Five of the crashes occurred on I-70 westbound near mile marker 221, with another reported on U.S. Highway 40.

The sheriff’s office stated that all previous incidents were resolved before the massive 75-vehicle crash occurred on I-70 eastbound near mile marker 216.

The vehicles crashed into each other after the major accident that occurred on the Colorado highway on April 14. (Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office)

An hour later, authorities closed both lanes of the highway.

“Due to the severity of the crash, motorists approaching the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel should expect to turn around within the next few hours,” CODOT said.

A damaged car became stuck inside a trailer following a multi-vehicle crash on a Colorado highway on April 14. (Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office)

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“The bottom line is that we need people to slow down, increase their following distance, and get to their destination safely,” the sheriff’s office said.

Colorado State Patrol is leading the crash investigation.