July 15, 2024
A raging car fire on E-470, a major toll road east of Denver, triggered a chain reaction of events that led to significant traffic disruptions on the adjacent I-70 interstate highway on Monday afternoon.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. when a vehicle caught fire in the southbound lanes of E-470, near the Tower Road exit. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the car in flames and sending thick black smoke billowing into the air.
As firefighters rushed to the scene, thick smoke and reduced visibility forced authorities to temporarily close all southbound lanes of E-470. Traffic was quickly diverted onto I-70 westbound, causing a massive surge in traffic volume on the already-congested highway.
The unexpected influx of vehicles on I-70 westbound led to a rapid stop-and-go situation, as drivers struggled to navigate the slowed traffic. Within minutes, the once-flowing traffic on I-70 was brought to a standstill.
As the congestion worsened, frustration mounted among stranded motorists, many of whom were commuters looking to head home from work. Some drivers reportedly abandoned their vehicles and attempted to walk to their destinations.
The Colorado State Patrol responded to the scene to assist with traffic management and clear the stranded vehicles. However, the slow progress of the fire suppression efforts and the massive traffic jam made it difficult to fully reopen the affected roadways.
By 4:30 p.m., after nearly two hours of closure, the southbound lanes of E-470 were finally reopened to traffic. However, the effects of the incident lingered, as the backed-up traffic on I-70 westbound took hours to dissipate.
The car fire itself was eventually extinguished by firefighters, but the remnants of the burned vehicle remained on the side of the road, serving as a stark reminder of the chaos it had caused.
There were no reported injuries in the incident, but the aftermath highlighted the challenges of managing traffic disruptions on major highways that serve as vital transportation arteries for commuters and businesses alike.
As the rush hour approached, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) advised motorists to seek alternative routes or consider public transportation to avoid the affected area. The incident also served as a reminder of the importance of following safe driving practices to minimize the risk of vehicle fires and other road-related emergencies.
