UPDATE: 2 Dead After Tire Blowout Sends Big Rig Plunging Down Embankment

UPDATE: On Friday, investigators said the cause of the deadly crash yesterday along C-470 was a semi-tire blowout.

One day after a big rig hauling sand lost control while traveling in the eastbound lanes of C-470, investigators revealed the truck’s front left tire blew moments before the fatal crash.

The big rig crashed through the guardrail, traveled through the median and across westbound lanes before striking the driver’s side of a Nissan Pathfinder.

Both vehicles then plummeted off of the roadway and down a 30 foot embankment before bursting into flames, according to Master Trooper Gary Cutler with Colorado State Patrol.

The driver of the semi was identified as 37-year-old Samuel Molina of Commerce City.

The driver of the Pathfinder was identified as 52-year-old Brenda Montague of Lakewood.

Both were pronounced deceased at the scene, Cutler said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Stay with TransportationNation.com for the latest.

(Original Report)

Jefferson County, CO – A trucker and a motorist were killed on Thursday morning along C-470 in a fiery crash involving a total of 5 vehicles.

According to Master Trooper Gary Cutler with Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the fatal crash occurred at approximately 11 a.m. when “for unknown reasons” a big rig left the eastbound lanes and crashed through the guardrail.

The rig, which was estimated to be carrying a load of sand in excess of 30,000 pounds, continued through the median and traveled across all westbound lanes striking a passenger vehicle.

Cutler said the cab separated from the trailer and, along with the passenger vehicle, crashed through a concrete barrier about 40 inches tall along the shoulder.

Cutler indicated both vehicles then tumbled down a 30 foot embankment onto a bike path below and “burst into flames.”

“It (semi) was loaded with sand, so it had a lot of force and impact going through there,” Cutler told a group of assembled media.

Our crews on the accident on 470 between Bowles and Ken Caryl. Semi crash sparked a grass fire. Vehicle fire and grass fire are out. Colorado State Patrol on scene investigating. pic.twitter.com/2LKtjeVNpm
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) August 29, 2019

Investigators said the semi fell on top of the passenger vehicle crushing it and the driver.

The trucker and the driver of the passenger vehicle were both pronounced dead on the scene.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

Three other vehicles, including a motorcycle, were struck with debris, according to Cutler.

No other life-threatening injuries were reported.

Emergency crews battled the flames for quite some time as thick black smoke could be seen for miles, according to witnesses.

This is what West Metro crews saw as they rolled up on scene of the 470 semi-truck crash around 11:15 this morning. pic.twitter.com/EqNvANvK2x
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) August 29, 2019

Cutler indicated witnesses did not report observing the big rig swerving or maneuvering erratically in the moments leading up to it crossing the median along the downhill grade of C-470.

He said investigators have only just begun to “start piecing it together.”

This is a developing investigation, so please stay logged on to TransportationNation.com for updates.

West Metro’s technical rescue team working with Colorado State Patrol investigators to begin debris removal at crash scene on 470. Westbound lanes are still closed, Eastbound lanes are open. Bike path in area is closed. pic.twitter.com/C3CVutFpOD
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) August 29, 2019