Wrong-Way Driver Cited After Causing Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-70 Near Idaho Springs

Description: A wrong-way driver was cited after causing a three-vehicle crash on I-70 near Idaho Springs and fleeing the scene. One person was hospitalized and later released.

Wrong Way Driver Causes Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-70

The driver then fled the scene

(COLORADO) – Last night at about 10:45 p.m., the Colorado State Patrol was notified of a wrong-way driver on Interstate 70 near milepost 244 eastbound, east of Idaho Springs, that caused a crash between two other vehicles.

The wrong-way vehicle, a red Subaru Crosstrek, entered the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 while traveling westbound near the on-ramp of Highway 40. A silver Honda Accord and a blue Toyota Avalon were traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 near milepost 244, just east of the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek began to conduct a U-turn on the road to travel in the correct direction. The Accord then collided with the passenger side of the Crosstrek. The Avalon then struck the Accord in a rear-end collision. The Accord and the Avalon had to be towed from the scene. The driver of the Honda Accord, a 32-year-old female from Central City, was transported to an area hospital but was later released with no injuries. The driver of the Crosstrek left the scene.

The wrong-way driver later called in and reported his involvement to a Colorado State Patrol trooper, who located and met with the driver of the red Subaru Crosstrek in the area of Idaho Springs, Colorado. The driver, identified as Eric Smith, a 40-year-old male from Denver, Colorado, was cited for Reckless Driving (Safety Zone), Failed to Give Information or Aid After Damaging Another Vehicle, Failed to Notify Police of Accident, and Drove Vehicle Wrong Way on One-Way Roadway.

The Colorado State Patrol is the lead investigating agency for this incident. Any new information will be sent out in an update to this press release.

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