Truck burns on Vail Pass

VAIL, Colorado – A 1993 Ford F250 went up in flames Friday on eastbound Interstate 70 on Vail Pass. No one was injured.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Eugene Hofacker arrived first on the scene and tried to put the fire out with his fire extinguisher, but the flames only grew bigger.

He decided to close down the eastbound lanes of I-70 because the fire was so severe. The eastbound lanes were closed from about 4:15 p.m. until about 5:30 p.m.

The men in the truck were able to get out safely.

Hofacker said he’s not yet sure what caused the fire, but he wants to remind motorists to check all their car fluids, tire pressure and other routine maintenance areas on their cars.

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The heavy construction in the area means traffic is often moving at a slower pace and there have been several cars per day that are overheating or having other problems, which end up causing even more traffic delays.

Community Editor Lauren Glendenning can be reached at 970-748-2983 or lglendenning@vaildaily.com.