The driver involved in the tragic semi-truck accident on US 285 near Conifer on Tuesday has been arrested. The incident resulted in one fatality and another person injured.
Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, 47, is facing several charges, including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, reckless driving, and driving a commercial vehicle without a commercial driver’s license, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The accident occurred when Cruz-Mendoza attempted to pass other vehicles on the highway but failed to do so successfully. His semi-truck side-swiped five vehicles and subsequently jack-knifed, spilling its load of pipes onto the cars. The collision led to the death of 64-year-old Scott Miller and injured another individual.
US 285 was closed for 14 hours as crews worked to clear the debris from the highway.
Cruz-Mendoza is currently being held on a $50,000 cash bond.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of adhering to road safety regulations, especially for commercial drivers. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating event.
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