GEORGETOWN, Colo. — A stretch of eastbound Interstate 70 is back open Wednesday afternoon after a six-vehicle crash near Georgetown.
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said in a release that troopers responded to a report of a semi-truck on fire on eastbound I-70 near Georgetown just before 12:40 p.m. Wednesday.
While emergency crews had the eastbound lanes closed and worked to put the fire out, there was a crash involving six vehicles in the backed-up traffic.
CSP said another semi-truck approaching the back of the stopped traffic on the downhill slope was unable to stop before colliding with the vehicles.
Three people were taken to the hospital. It's not clear how seriously they were hurt. A fourth person got medical attention on their own after leaving the crash scene, CSP said.
The fire started in the semi-truck's brakes, according to CSP.
The road was back open by 3:20 p.m.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) provides these tips for safe driving in Colorado:
Expect the unexpected
Slow down
Don't tailgate
Be aware of emergency crews
Heed signs
Obey flaggers
Stay alert and minimize distractions
Keep with the traffic flow
Plan your drive
Be patient and stay calm
It is also important to be aware of emergency vehicles.
Colorado's Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane when there’s an emergency situation along the shoulder. If the driver can’t move over, they must slow down significantly to avoid an accident.
The law was implemented in 2005 and strengthened in 2020. A CDOT news release states: "The updated law stipulates that if a driver is unable to move at least one lane away from the stationary emergency vehicle, the driver must slow down to at least 25 miles per hour on roadways with a speed limit below 45 miles per hour. On roadways with speed limits 45 miles per hour or more, motorists must slow down to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Drivers that fail to slow down or move over commit the crime of careless driving, a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense that can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300."
CDOT recommends people check COtrip.org to find out about road conditions, construction zones, and traffic alerts.
9NEWS also provides traffic updates and alerts through the 9NEWS app.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE FREE 9NEWS+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.