Westbound U.S. 36 in the Denver area reopened Saturday afternoon after a collision involving multiple vehicles caused a significant diesel fuel spill that shut down the highway for several hours. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hit-and-run crash after two vehicles reportedly left the scene.
A crash involving a tractor-trailer, a pickup truck, and a Dodge Challenger led to a lengthy closure on the Boulder Turnpike as emergency crews worked to clean up a large diesel fuel spill. The Colorado State Patrol continues to investigate the incident and is seeking information about the vehicles involved.
Incident
The collision occurred Saturday morning on westbound U.S. 36, just west of the Pecos Street interchange.
According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the incident involved a Dodge Challenger, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, and a tractor-trailer.
Troopers said the Dodge Challenger moved out of the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane by crossing two solid white dividing lines before cutting in front of both the pickup truck and the semi-truck.
Collision
Investigators said the Ford F-150 swerved to the right to avoid the Challenger and struck the tractor-trailer’s left-side fuel tank.
The impact caused approximately 50 to 60 gallons of diesel fuel to spill across several westbound lanes of the Boulder Turnpike.
Authorities said the pickup truck lost control during the collision, and the truck bed became trapped beneath the trailer before being run over by the semi’s wheels.
The tractor-trailer driver safely pulled onto the shoulder and was not injured.
Investigation
According to CSP Trooper Sherri Mendez, the Dodge Challenger left the scene without making contact with the other vehicles.
The damaged Ford F-150 also left after its driver was able to free the truck from beneath the trailer.
Investigators described the pickup as a black Ford F-150 displaying the Colorado vanity license plate “CHILANG.”
The truck was also reported to have a sticker on the door reading “You can’t fix stupid” and visible damage to the right front and right rear sections.
Authorities are treating the incident as a hit-and-run investigation.
Cleanup
The Westminster Fire Department first reported the highway closure shortly after 7:30 a.m.
Firefighters and hazardous materials crews responded to contain and remove the diesel fuel from the roadway.
The cleanup operation continued for several hours before all westbound lanes reopened at approximately 2:25 p.m.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Highway | U.S. 36 Westbound |
| Location | West of Pecos Street interchange |
| Fuel spilled | Approximately 50-60 gallons of diesel |
| Vehicles involved | Dodge Challenger, Ford F-150, tractor-trailer |
| Highway reopened | 2:25 p.m. Saturday |
Enforcement
During the highway closure, CSP also monitored traffic around the incident scene.
Troopers cited eight drivers for improperly attempting to bypass the closure by driving through the HOV lane.
Officials reminded motorists to follow traffic restrictions during emergency operations to protect first responders and other drivers.
Ongoing
The Colorado State Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and the drivers who left the scene.
Anyone with information about the incident or the vehicles involved may be asked to assist investigators as the case remains active.
The closure of westbound U.S. 36 lasted several hours while emergency crews safely removed a large diesel fuel spill and cleared the roadway. Although no injuries were reported, authorities continue to investigate the hit-and-run circumstances and are working to identify the drivers who left the scene.
FAQs
Why was U.S. 36 closed?
A crash caused a major diesel fuel spill.
How much fuel spilled?
About 50 to 60 gallons of diesel.
Was anyone injured?
The semi-truck driver was not injured.
What vehicles were involved?
A Dodge Challenger, Ford F-150, and semi.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, CSP is investigating it as a hit-and-run.
