February 21st, 2012 | 
Author: RIFLE, CO – Two semi trucks collided on I-70 causing a hazardous materials spill just outside Rifle, CO in snow-packed, icy conditions on Monday, February 20, 2012.
Two semi trucks crash on I-70 in Rifle, CO causing injury and a hazardous fuel spill. The crash spawned more accidents in the snow packed roads and icy conditions.
Rifle is located in Garfield County, Colorado in the western part of the state about 228 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, 204 miles southwest of Boulder and 184 miles southwest of Denver.
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The collision happened around 9:30 a.m. on the eastbound side of I-70 near mile marker 89 when a tractor trailer jackknifed and then ran into another 18 wheeler. The crash was on a bridge where the interstate crosses the Colorado River.
Map showing location of semi truck crash on the eastbound I-70 in Rifle, CO near mile marker 89 where the interstate crosses the Colorado River.
About 50 to 70 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from one of the big rigs as a result of the crash. A Colorado State Patrol (CSP) HazMat team was called in to clean up the spill. Officials stated that none of the hazardous materials spilled into the Colorado River.
One of the truckers was injured in the accident. There are no details as to the extent of his injuries, but it was reported that the injuries were minor. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. It was also fortunate that no evacuations were ordered as a result of the hazardous materials spill.
The crash was part of a series of 16 accidents in snow-packed and icy conditions that started around 4:30 a.m. The CSP said that the 18 wheeler crash that happened on I-70 triggered more accidents afterwards. An alert was issued by the CSP around 9:30 a.m.
As a result, the CSP shut down the eastbound lanes of the interstate, which remained closed for most of the day on Monday. According to a report, the eastbound lanes were reopened around 4:30 p.m. Eastbound traffic was diverted through Rifle onto Highway 6 during the closure.
The CSP said that there were multiple crashes that caused more injuries, probably caused by people driving too fast for the snowy conditions. Injured motorists were transported to Grand River Hospital in Rifle.
Gordon Elias & Seely, LLP recommend that if you know anyone who has been injured or killed as the result of a commercial truck accident involving a semi truck, 18 wheeler, big rig, tractor trailer or bus, tell them to immediately contact a qualified truck accident lawyer for advice. Gordon, Elias & Seely LLP are licensed in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Washington, DC and have informal relationships with other truck accident lawyers. Visit our Colorado truck accident lawyer page or call 800.773.6770.
Related searches:
Boulder Personal Injury Lawyer
Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyer
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers
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