Semi-Truck Spills Vanilla Extract, Triggering Hazmat Response and Closing Westbound I-70 in Wheat Ridge
WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO — A hazmat response was triggered early Friday after a semi-truck hauling vanilla extract crashed and spilled its cargo onto westbound Interstate 70, forcing a temporary closure and diverting traffic, authorities said.

Photo credit: Wheat Ridge Police Department
Police said the crash involved a single semi-truck carrying vanilla extract, which officials emphasized is flammable. Because of the fire risk tied to the spilled product, crews handled the scene using hazmat precautions as they worked to secure the area and clear the roadway.
The crash was reported publicly at 3:28 a.m. when the Wheat Ridge Police Department posted that the spill had shut down westbound I-70 from Kipling Street to Ward Road. During the closure, traffic was diverted off I-70 at Kipling Street while emergency crews managed the incident and the flammable spill.
Authorities said no injuries were reported. Westbound I-70 remained closed for nearly two hours before reopening.
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