Update: Fox31 is reporting that Interstae 25 has just reopened, but traffic is still clogged — and it probably will continue to be for quite some time.
Here's a report from the station, followed by our previous coverage.
Original post, 5:25 a.m.: My drive to Westword's offices each morning takes me past Denver Health Medical Center — and when I saw the emergency room parking lot packed with police vehicles and ambulances, I knew something substantial had happened.
And it has.
A police officer was reportedly injured during a traffic stop on Interstate 25 a short time ago — and at this writing, the highway is closed due to the resulting investigation and cleanup efforts.
Here's the first tweet from the Denver Police Department about the incident, sent out at 4:33 a.m. on Friday, August 28.
#TRAFFIC multiple vehicle accident on I 25 NB and 20th. One pty trans unk injury. I 25 closed NB. #Denver
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) August 28, 2015
Reporters from various news outlets raced to the area, including CBS4's Rahel Solomon, who initially had difficulty getting an angle on the scene.Difficult to safely pull over & get view of I-25 ax . Flashing lights in distance show where it happened #CBS4 pic.twitter.com/H0ohqSoP5P
— Rahel Solomon (@RahelCBS4) August 28, 2015
A short time later, however, she was able to get a clearer picture of the mess that was developing.Denver PD confirm to me person hurt is an officer. Appears officer was in vehicle. Drivers must exit @ 20th Ave #CBS4 pic.twitter.com/YslvNaO5C4
— Rahel Solomon (@RahelCBS4) August 28, 2015
Fox31 reports that four vehicles were involved in the crash, prompting the closure of northbound I-25 from 20th to 38th — and shares the following Colorado Department of Transportation image of the growing jam.Meanwhile, 9News' Noel Brennan adds these details.
An officer at the scene tells Brennan the interstate could be closed until 7 p.m. — but via Twitter, the Denver Police Department is much less specific:UPDATE TRAFFIC the hgwy will be closed for an unknown amount if time. Alternate routes advised. #Denver
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) August 28, 2015
Officer conducting traffic stop. Cruiser hit from behind, collided into stopped car which was the hit by another vehicle #9newsmornings
— Noel Brennan (@Noeltbrennan) August 28, 2015
Good luck, northbound I-25 commuters. You'll need it this morning.