The driver of an International semi-tractor has been charged in a crash that closed westbound Interstate 70 near Vail for several hours Saturday, according to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).
Five people who all occupied a Ford Explorer from Agoura Hills, California were transported to Denver-area hospitals by a Flight for Life helicopter and ground ambulances. Three of those injured were juveniles, according to a release from CSP.
The three juveniles are not being identified but are listed as two 7-year-olds and one 9-year-old. Two of the juveniles remain in critical condition and the other occupants are listed as in stable condition, CSP said.
The wreck, at mile marker 182, involved the semi-tractor, the Ford Explorer towing a camper and a Jeep Cherokee, CSP said.
The wreck occurred when the semi-tractor, driven by Keith Thompson, 48, of Detroit, collided with the Ford Explorer, driven by a 40-year-old man, CSP said.
The collision forced both the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Cherokee, driven by a 69-year-old man from Evans, off the interstate. The Ford Explorer rolled multiple times.
The driver of the semi-tractor and the driver of the Jeep Cherokee were not injured. Thompson, the driver of the semi-tractor, has been charged with five counts of careless driving causing injury.
After the crash, the semi-tractor went up a runaway truck ramp.
The release from CSP says excessive speed and brake failure are being considered as possible factors in the crash.
The I-70 westbound closure lasted until mid-afternoon Saturday.
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