AURORA, Colorado — Both directions of Interstate 70 were closed Friday morning near Highway 40 and the E-470 interchange after a crash between two semis sparked a large fire, sending thick black smoke into the air and disrupting traffic for several hours.

The crash occurred just after 8:20 a.m. at mile marker 288, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Eastbound lanes began reopening around 10:30 a.m., while one westbound lane reopened about 1 p.m. The left westbound lane remains closed as cleanup continues.

According to CBS News Colorado, investigators said two semis — a 2026 Peterbilt and a 2020 Volvo — were both traveling westbound when the Volvo rear-ended the trailer of the Peterbilt, pushing it into the median. “The second semi then went into the median, burst into flames and burned up,” said Colorado State Patrol Captain Clinton Rushing.

The Aurora Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the flames. The burning Volvo’s trailer, which was loaded with plastic cargo, tipped over and spilled debris into the westbound lanes and grassy median, spreading the fire further. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The driver of the Volvo was cited for careless driving, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The crash caused major traffic backups, and one E-470 on-ramp was also closed during the investigation and cleanup.

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