One person was killed and a major roadway in the Denver metropolitan area was shut down for hours on Monday after a fuel truck caught fire, creating a...
The incident occurred early Monday morning on Santa Fe Drive near Belleview Avenue in Englewood, Colorado, according to South Metro Fire Rescue and local law enforcement.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:23 a.m.
One person was killed and a major roadway in the Denver metropolitan area was shut down for hours on Monday after a fuel truck caught fire, creating a hazardous materials situation that prompted an emergency response from local firefighters, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred early Monday morning on Santa Fe Drive near Belleview Avenue in Englewood, Colorado, according to South Metro Fire Rescue and local law enforcement. The driver of the fuel truck was found deceased inside the vehicle, though authorities have not yet released the person’s identity. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death, Englewood police said.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:23 a.m. After reports of a vehicle fire involving a commercial fuel truck, according to South Metro Fire Rescue. The blaze, located near the 4800 block of Santa Fe Drive, forced the closure of all lanes in both directions as crews worked to contain the situation. The road remained shut for several hours, with northbound lanes reopening just after 11 a.m. And southbound lanes following later in the afternoon.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area to allow emergency vehicles access. The closure caused significant traffic disruptions in the region, which is a major thoroughfare in the Denver metro area.
Hazmat Concerns and Environmental Precautions
Firefighters opted to let the fuel burn off rather than use water to extinguish the flames, citing environmental concerns. Matthew Assell, a public information officer for South Metro Fire Rescue, explained that applying water to hazardous materials like fuel can create runoff, which may contaminate nearby water sources.
Colorado firefighers rush to fuel truck fire, possible hazmat situation on Santa Fe
“Really, the biggest thing as to why we’re letting that fuel burn off instead of applying plain water is that when we apply water to hazardous materials like this, it creates runoff, which creates hazardous waste. In this case, the Platte River is right here where this incident is occurring, so we’re trying to prevent any of that fuel from getting into the river.”
South Metro Fire Rescue Englewood Matthew Assell
Matthew Assell, South Metro Fire Rescue Public Information Officer
The fire was eventually upgraded to a commercial structure fire due to its proximity to nearby buildings, including a U-Haul facility. While the fire extended into a grassy area, crews were able to quickly extinguish that portion of the blaze. The U-Haul business sustained some damage, though officials did not provide further details on the extent of the impact.
Several vehicles near the scene were affected by the fire, though none caught fire themselves, according to investigators.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or the circumstances leading to the driver’s death. The incident remains under investigation by South Metro Fire Rescue, Englewood police, and other relevant agencies.
No additional injuries or fatalities were reported among emergency responders or bystanders.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
