SUV Crashes Through Guardrail, Causes Lengthy Closure
DENVER (CBS4) -- Eastbound I-70 was reopened Sunday evening after being closed for about six hours while rescuers attempted to reach people trapped in a vehicle that left the highway and landed in a creek.
Eastbound traffic had to be detoured at the Lookout Mountain exit at mile marker 256.
The Colorado Department of Transportation says the left and center lanes have reopened, but the detour is still in place.
Six people were inside the 2000 Dodge SUV according to officials. CSP says a 28-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man were taken to the hospital, while four children, three boys and a girl, were also taken to the hospital.
CSP says the oldest of the children is 8 years old. The victim's conditions remain either serious or critical.
The rescue process and clean-up of the wreck lead to a very lengthy duration of closure.
CDOT crews will also need to repair the guardrail in that area as it was severely damaged and could be a safety hazard if left untouched. If possible, avoid the area and check https://t.co/uOU0HHbUQ6 for alerts and updates.
— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT) January 14, 2018
Westbound drivers were also cautioned by the Colorado State Patrol against slowing down to look at the scene.