Denver, CO — A tragic crash on the interchange of Interstate 70 and Interstate 225 claimed one life early Friday morning, after a passenger exited a vehicle to retrieve an item that had fallen onto the roadway, according to the Denver Police Department (DPD).
Crash Happened in Early Morning Hours
Police say the incident happened around 3:20 a.m. on August 2 along eastbound I-70 and southbound I-225. Officers responding to the scene found a collision involving a motorist and a pedestrian.
All eastbound lanes of I-70 were shut down at Peoria Street, and drivers were advised to take alternate routes while the investigation was underway.
“The crash occurred when a vehicle had stopped on the road, and its passenger tried retrieving an item that had fallen out of the vehicle,” the DPD wrote in an update shared on KDVR.
Pedestrian Was Passenger in the Vehicle
Authorities confirmed that the pedestrian killed in the incident was the passenger from the stopped vehicle. The identity of the victim has not been released, and police have not provided details about the driver or other possible occupants.
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances of the crash, including whether visibility or traffic conditions may have played a role.
Traffic Disruption and Safety Concerns
The closure of I-70 during the morning commute caused significant delays, with traffic being diverted to surrounding streets until the roadway reopened later in the day.
Safety experts say incidents like this highlight the dangers of exiting a vehicle on busy highways, especially during low-light hours.
Key safety reminders from transportation authorities include:
- Stay inside your vehicle if it’s safe and wait for help.
- Avoid crossing active lanes to retrieve objects.
Investigation Continues
DPD has not yet said if any charges will be filed in relation to the crash. They are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them directly with information.
What are your thoughts on highway safety in situations like this? Share your views in the comments.
