Fatal Taxi Crash Remains Under Investigation, New Video Released
DENVER (CBS4) - New video posted on YouTube shows the scene after a deadly crash at Monaco Parkway near Yale Avenue early Sunday morning.
Oscar Delgado shot video on his phone as he drove past. He said he couldn't stop because emergency crews were arriving.
Police say Abdurazaq Bilal, 27, was driving his Metro Taxi northbound in the southbound lanes when he hit a silver Hyundai head on.
The taxi rolled and burst into flames and both drivers died.
The driver of the Hyundai has been identified as Constantin "Gus" Mantourlias, according to officials at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver where Mantourlias was a member. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters. Friends told CBS4 he was on his way to work when he was struck.
Investigators found a trail of wreckage stretching a mile-and-a-half from the crash scene.
"You could tell they hit trees, signs, mailboxes, yards. It was crazy over there," said J.J. Ulibarri, who drove past some of the debris on his way to church. "From Denver Tech, around the King Soopers there is broken down signs, car parts, a whole front bumper."
Investigators are trying to figure out why the taxi was heading in the wrong direction. They said that includes investigating if the driver was using drugs or alcohol or was speeding.
"Obviously, we're going to be looking at the possibility of alcohol, the possibility of intoxication, the possibility of drugs, (and) the possibility of speed playing a factor," said Tyrone Campbell, a spokesperson with the Denver Police Department.
Police are still awaiting toxicology reports.
Metro Taxi says Bilal had been driving for the company since September. The company is cooperating with the investigation.