Denver, CO — Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down EB I-70 at Quebec St
Written by Bradley Smith
Denver, CO (April 20, 2025) – Early Sunday morning, April 20, two separate vehicle crashes caused major delays on eastbound Interstate 70 near Quebec Street. The accidents, which occurred around 3:50 a.m., involved multiple motorists and led to the temporary closure of eastbound lanes at the Holly Street exit.
The Denver Police Department responded quickly to the scene and began investigating the incidents. While the exact sequence of the crashes is still under review, authorities confirmed that at least one person was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The full extent of that person’s injuries has not yet been confirmed.
Images from the scene showed several vehicles stopped along the highway, with police and emergency crews surrounding the area. Due to the presence of two crash sites close together, traffic became severely backed up in the early hours of the morning. Drivers were rerouted while cleanup crews worked to remove damaged vehicles and clear the roadway.
The causes of the crashes have not yet been determined. Investigators are looking into whether speed, impaired driving, fatigue, or roadway conditions played a role. As of late morning, Denver police had not announced any citations or arrests connected to the incidents. Motorists were advised to avoid the area during the investigation and to expect delays while travel lanes remained closed. Roadway conditions have since returned to normal.
We hope those injured in this accident make a timely recovery.
Car Accidents in Colorado
Motor vehicle accidents in Colorado are a frequent concern for both city and highway drivers. The Colorado Department of Transportation reports thousands of crashes every year, many resulting in injuries. Interstate 70, one of the state’s busiest highways, often sees heightened activity overnight and early in the morning, especially near major interchanges like Quebec Street. Accidents in this area can lead to extended closures and travel disruptions.
These early morning crashes bring attention to a serious issue that affects drivers statewide:
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue plays a significant role in overnight and early-morning crashes. Drivers operating vehicles while drowsy may experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, or even fall asleep behind the wheel. Unlike alcohol or drug impairment, drowsiness is harder to detect but equally dangerous. Shift workers, long-haul drivers, and those traveling after late nights are particularly at risk. Crashes related to sleepiness tend to be severe due to delayed or absent braking.
- Reduced Visibility: In the pre-dawn hours, visibility is naturally limited, even with headlights. Dim lighting, glare from other vehicles, and fog can contribute to misjudging distance and speed.
- Lower Traffic Doesn’t Mean Lower Risk: While roads are typically less congested during early morning hours, the risk of high-speed crashes may increase. With fewer cars on the road, some drivers feel emboldened to speed or drive recklessly.
- Delayed Emergency Response: In some cases, collisions occurring before dawn may go unnoticed for longer periods. This delay can impact the timeliness of medical care and road clearance.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a crash like the ones reported on I-70, it’s important to speak with our Denver car accident attorneys at Smith & Weidinger as soon as possible. Legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your rights, especially when dealing with insurance companies or at-fault drivers. Acting early helps ensure key evidence is preserved, witness statements are collected, and your case is handled with the care it deserves.
At Smith & Weidinger, we offer free consultations and are ready to support you after a serious accident. Call us today at 720-996-2600 to speak with a member of our team. We understand the stress and uncertainty that follow a crash, and we’re here to help. Our Denver car accident attorneys are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to recover. Don’t wait—let us be your voice. We’re ready to listen and take action on your behalf.
Note: The information provided in this blog post has been compiled from publicly available and secondary sources. While we strive for accuracy, some details may become outdated or contain inadvertent errors. If you believe any information is incorrect or requires updating, please contact Smith & Weidinger so that we may review and make the appropriate corrections.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation for business. The photo used is not from the scene of the incident described. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Smith & Weidinger. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and then consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.