Denver, CO – A horrific accident on Interstate 70 west of Denver on Thursday morning resulted in one fatality and a massive fire. TMZ obtained footage (viewer discretion advised) capturing the immediate aftermath of the crash.
According to state officials, a tanker truck pulled over to the shoulder after overheating. Tragically, another vehicle collided with the tanker, igniting both vehicles and causing an explosion.
The TMZ video picks up seconds after the crash, with flames rapidly spreading across the freeway. Oncoming traffic, including the driver capturing the footage, had little time to react. The driver narrowly avoided the worst of the blaze but appears shaken by the experience. Another vehicle following closely behind seems to have sustained fire damage to a tire.
The intense fire quickly engulfed surrounding grassy areas and sent thick plumes of smoke into the air. Significant portions of I-70 were shut down for most of Thursday as emergency crews battled the blaze and cleared the scene.
The driver who struck the tanker died in the crash. The tanker driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
