8 People Killed After Semi-Truck Rolls Over on Highway 285 Near Conifer, Dump Load onto 5 Vehicles
A devastating semi-truck accident occurred on Highway 285 near Conifer, Colorado, resulting in one confirmed fatality, contrary to initial reports of eight fatalities ¹ ² ³. The accident happened when a commercial vehicle veered off the highway, rolled over, and spilled its load of pipes and angle iron onto five other vehicles ¹ ²[4).
Accident Details
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, June 11, around 5 p.m. near mile marker 232 ¹ ². The semi-truck, driven by Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, 47, went off the edge of the road, causing the truck to roll onto its side and dump its load onto other vehicles ⁴. Cruz-Mendoza was arrested on vehicular homicide and vehicular assault charges ⁴.
Aftermath
One passenger from one of the affected vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene ¹ ² ³. Highway 285 experienced closures and delays as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and provide assistance ³. The Colorado State Patrol investigated the incident to determine the cause of the rollover ¹ ².
Legal Considerations
The family of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim, while other victims may file personal injury claims ². Potential damages may include compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, medical bills, and pain and suffering ².
