UMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — According to a report from KMGH in Denver, a big driver was cited for careless driving following a four-vehicle crash that injured five people — one critically — on Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel on Wednesday.
The driver was identified as Leon Gamble, 57, of Texas is facing charges of careless driving causing bodily injury, according to CSP.
The station reported that the crash happened just after 3 p.m. Wednesday on westbound I-70 near milepost 209, close to the Eisenhower Tunnel.
According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), a Freightliner was heading westbound in the right lane when it lost its brakes. The front of the truck collided with the rear of a second Freightliner truck, causing both vehicles to veer off the left side of the road.
CSP said the second Freightliner rolled over, coming to a rest on its passenger side in the median.
During the crash, the trailer of the first Freightliner struck a Rav-4 that was heading eastbound. The trailer then “came to a stop” against a Toyota Tacoma, according to CSP.
CSP initially said three people were taken to the hospital. During the investigation, authorities learned that two additional people were injured in the crash.
Four people suffered minor injuries, while the fifth — the passenger of the second Freightliner truck — suffered life-threatening injuries. CSP said the driver of the Tacoma was not injured.
It took crews several hours to clear the roadway. Both directions of I-70 reopened around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
