LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Both directions of Interstate 70 at Denver West reopened following a fiery 28-vehicle crash Thursday that left at least four dead and several injured.
Transportation officials opened the eastbound lanes late Friday evening after reopening the westbound lanes earlier in the day.
Getting the crucial corridor back open required removing more than two inches of damaged asphalt and repaving a segment more than 300 feet in length and 50 feet wide, according to a release from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Engineers inspected the Denver West overpass for fire and heat damage and deemed the bridge to be in good shape.
The fiery pile up in the eastbound lanes of the highway Thursday afternoon was caused by an out-of-control semi driven by 23-year-old Rogel Aguilera-Mederos of Houston, Texas. He was arrested Friday on four counts of vehicular homicide.
Aguilera-Mederos' semi plowed into vehicles stopped for a previous crash about a mile ahead. He reportedly told family members that his brakes had failed before the crash.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court Saturday at 1 p.m. for an advisement hearing. He could face more charges.
Previous coverage:
- Multiple fatalities, 10 injured following fiery crash involving 11 cars, 4 semis on I-70
- Four dead, semi driver arrested after I-70 fiery crash involving 28 vehicles; westbound lanes open
- 'It's hard to believe': Family describes call with semi driver after fiery I-70 crash
- I-70 crash victim praises good Samaritans, says she's 'lucky to be alive'
