Driver charged with vehicular homicide after multiple people die from I-70 crash
Update: Authorities have confirmed that four people are dead following a crash on I-70 Thursday. CDOT confirmed that the westbound lanes were reopened at about 1:55 p.m. The eastbound lanes are still closed.
Denver 7 reports authorities have identified the driver of the crash as Rogel Lazaro Aguilera of Houston.
Aguilera, 23, is being held on suspicion of four counts of vehicular homicide. He hasn’t been formally charged yet but he will make his first court appearance on Saturday.
(Photo from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
Lakewood Police are working with the coroner’s office to identify the deceased.
Police are also looking into how the driver lost control of the truck.
CDOT says both sides of I-70 will be closed until Saturday morning.
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A semi-truck driver has been taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of vehicular homicide following a fatal crash on I-70 in Lakewood.
The fiery crash happened at 4:50 p.m. Thursday and authorities say multiple people have died. As of Friday morning, the number of fatalities is unknown as crews are investigating the scene. Investigators are working to find out the final count of cars to people.
Six people were taken to the hospital and their condition is unknown at this time.
According to the Lakewood Police Department, 28 vehicles were involved in the crash – 24 cars and 4 semis.
The driver who was taken into custody was injured but the injuries are not considered serious.
The Lakewood Police Department reports that after an overnight investigation and interviews, they have probable cause to charge the driver.
Authorities say the driver is not from Colorado and that they don’t believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. There is also no indication that the crash was intentional.
The driver is expected to be taken to the Jefferson County Jail sometime on Friday.
No further information was given about the driver.
According to CDOT, the interstate is expected to open sometime on Saturday. CDOT has yet to assess the damage on the scene due to the ongoing investigation.
CDOT is asking drivers in the area to use caution and to not get out of their cars and take pictures.
KRDO will continue to bring you updates on this developing story.
