Newlywed couple killed in Colorado I-70 semi crash was on their way to celebrate honeymoon
The victims in Thursday's semi rollover and crash on I-70 have been identified by a member of the family and the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. Three people were killed and others injured in the crash in the eastbound lanes of I-70 at Ward Road.
There were five people in one vehicle involved in the crash and three of those were killed while the other two were rushed to the hospital. Those who were killed have been identified as newlyweds Ruben Rodriguez Garcia, 32, and Juliana Rodriguez Plata, 39, and the bride's mother Luz Melba Martinez, 60.
The couple had gotten married the weekend before, on Aug. 10, and were on their way to the mountains with their son and bride's parents to celebrate their honeymoon. The bride's parents were visiting from Columbia.
The newlywed couple's 1-year-old son, Daniel, was injured in the crash. The bride's father, Carlos, also survived the crash. Both are recovering after they were released from the hospital.
Daniel had just celebrated his 1-year-old birthday a few days before.
The crash closed I-70 to traffic in both directions for several hours on Thursday. The crash happened at 8:20 a.m. Thursday, the semi and six other vehicles were involved. The semi driver was also injured in the crash.
CBS News Colorado's helicopter flew over the scene about a half hour after the crash happened. There was a semi on its side with about 100 blue pipes that weighed 500 pounds each that had spilled onto lanes of I-70.
On Friday, Wheat Ridge police said that debris from the semi-truck's load spanned more than two football fields across both lanes of I-70.
"There were nearly 100 large blue plastic tubes that weighed roughly 500 lbs. each," the department said in a statement.
Arvada Fire and @FairmountFire_ crews are responding to a motor vehicle collision involving a semi rollover on I-70 EB near Ward Rd. This accident is affecting both directions of travel on I-70 with lane closures. Please slow down for responders and consider alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/vmn7p5kbnO
— Arvada Fire (@ArvadaFire) August 15, 2024
What led up to the crash is being investigated and Wheat Ridge police say that investigation is "incredibly complicated" and will likely take several weeks. It's working with the First Judicial District Attorney's Office to see if anyone will be charged in connection with the crash.
Wheat Ridge police said Friday afternoon that the three injured people have been treated at the hospital and released.
Westbound I-70 reopened at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, while eastbound lanes opened around 4:10 p.m.
Wheat Ridge police are asking victims of the crash who are looking for support and trauma services to reach out to Victim Outreach Inc. at (303) 202-2196.
"Our hearts go out to the families that have been impacted by the tragic loss of life yesterday," Wheat Ridge police said. "They have the full support of our department and our partners at VOI."
In a statement on Friday, a CDOT spokesperson said the speed limit in the area was reduced from 65 mph to 60 mph. Their construction team is now considering if additional changes are needed in the work zone.
The CDOT spokesperson added that they do have concerns about speeding on I-70 through the west Denver Metro Area. Their concerns also include drivers heading east from the mountains, and having hot brakes around Morrison and Golden.