Tuesday was a violent one on Colorado’s Interstate 70, as a 70-vehicle pileup just east of the Eisenhower Tunnel sent at least 8 people to the hospital. Fortunately no fatalities were reported in the crash, but dozens of cars, vehicles, and semi-trucks were involved and 19 people were evaluated on the scene.
The crash was devastating, but it did reveal a more heartwarming side. According to CBS Colorado, Loveland Ski Area worked with Summit Stage and Clear Creek Roundabout bus services to bring the stranded drivers to the resort, providing them a place to warm up, receive attention from on-site medical staff, and work to plan their next steps.
As if that wasn’t enough, the ski area then arranged transport to Georgetown for those who needed it.
“We are all family. We stress our family culture here, but a lot of these people that responded, like I said, they ski here, they ride here, they’re part of the family.” – Loveland Ski Area Director of Operations Rob Goodell
Reports indicate that a burst of heavy snow and high winds with gusts up to 30-35mph blew enough snow to create white-out conditions on the highway. The eastbound lane was closed after the crash, which occurred around 3pm on Tuesday, April 14th, for the emergency response and cleanup effort. The highway remained closed for another 5 hours.
