Morning accidents close Interstate 70 Monday
RIFLE, Colorado – The eastbound lanes of I-70 near the West Rifle interchange were closed for approximately four hours on Monday due to 16 accidents involving multiple vehicles, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
Eastbound traffic was rerouted onto Highway 6 through Rifle, according to an alert issued by the CSP at about 9:30 a.m.
“I think it was going on since last night, people driving too fast for conditions and crashing,” said State Patrol Captain Rich Duran.
Trooper Bonnie Collins said the 16 wrecks occurred from 4:30-10 a.m.
One series of accidents near mile marker 89 involved two tractor-trailer rigs that collided, she said. The rigs blocked the eastbound lanes on a bridge spanning the Colorado River.
A state patrol hazardous materials team was called out to deal with a spill of diesel fuel at the scene. Collins said no fuel spilled into the river.
Duran reported multiple injuries to motorists involved in the wrecks. Those injured were taken to Grand River Hospital in Rifle.
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