I-70 reopens in Aurora after trash truck rolls over, leaks compressed natural gas
Both directions of I-70 were closed in Aurora for a couple of hours on Thursday afternoon after a rollover crash involving a trash truck. The trash truck sustained damage and was leaking compressed natural gas.
UPDATE: Eastbound I-70 is now opened.
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) March 9, 2023
Westbound remains closed at this time. All traffic is being diverted onto Tower Rd.
Cleanup and towing of the trash truck will take an extended time.
Updates will be here. pic.twitter.com/YnyXk4Z8bh
Eastbound lanes reopened about 3:11 p.m. Westbound lanes remained closed for a couple of hours at E-470 and all traffic was diverted onto Tower Road during that time. One lane was eventually reopened but traffic was backed up for miles and getting by slowly.
CBS News Colorado's helicopter flew over the scene which showed the trash truck on its side with debris and trash scattered on the roadway and the shoulder. One person was injured, treated on scene and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
#APDTrafficAlert 🚨INTERSTATE CLOSURE🚨
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) March 9, 2023
A rollover crash involving a trash truck has occurred on I-70. Hazmat teams are responding.
All Westbound I-70 traffic is closed at E-470 & Eastbound I-70 is closed at Tower.
No updates on potential injuries. Find updates here. pic.twitter.com/qi0Bog59OE
The closure was lengthy and the Aurora Police Dept. tweeted, "Cleanup and towing of the trash truck will take an extended time." Drivers were urged to take an alternate route.
The trash truck involved in the crash was leaking compressed natural gas following the wreck.
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt) March 9, 2023
That leak is now stopped and firefighters on the Hazmat Team are ensuring that the truck is safe to be towed. pic.twitter.com/q4CfHeCCPh
Hazmat crews assisted in the crash cleanup.