Driver cited after semi-truck carrying excavator hits I-25 overpass, damaging other vehicles with debris

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Multiple lanes of southbound I-25 were closed for hours Monday afternoon after a semi-truck driver carrying an excavator hit the overpass bridge for the MLK bypass, leaving behind debris that damaged other vehicles.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said it received multiple calls about the semi-truck at around 1:20 p.m. on Sept. 22. Callers reported the driver had hit the overpass without stopping, and that other cars were hit by the debris.

On scene, CSPD discovered the truck had also hit an electric overhead sign on the interstate, causing an unspecified amount of damage.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that three right lanes on Southbound I-25 at the Highway 24 bypass were closed at around 2 p.m. while the debris was removed and the agency checked the viability of the overpass and bridge.

About two hours after police received the initial reports, the Stratmoor Hills Fire Department located the truck and excavator near the Sam's Club on Venetucci Boulevard.

According to CSPD, the damage the excavator had sustained in the crash caused it to leak fluids, and a hazmat team was called to the scene to ensure it was safe.

Police said due to the damage and statements provided by witnesses, they concluded that this was the involved vehicle and contacted the driver, Miguel Hernandez Rivera.

Hernandez Rivera told police he was en route to another job site in Pueblo. He was cited for careless driving, oversized loads, and hit-and-run charges, CSPD said.

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