A devastating incident occurred on Interstate 70 west of Denver, claiming the lives of three family members just days after a joyous wedding celebration. The accident, which took place on August 15, 2024, involved an overturned semitruck and resulted in a multi-vehicle collision.
The victims were identified as Ruben Rodriguez, 33, his wife Juliana Rodriguez Plata, 37, and her mother Luz Melba Martinez, who had traveled from Colombia to attend the couple's wedding on August 10. The family was en route to the mountains for their honeymoon when the tragedy struck.
According to Eric Kellogg, division chief of the Wheat Ridge police, the eastbound semitruck flipped over, spilling its cargo of large plastic pipes across the median into the westbound lanes. This led to a chain reaction involving three other vehicles.
The bride's father, Carlos Joaquin Plata, and the couple's one-year-old son, Danny, sustained injuries in the crash. They were immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Janell Rodriguez, sister-in-law of Ruben Rodriguez, shared the family's grief with local media: "The family is still reeling. And then the baby without both of his parents, you know? It's hard. It's hard for the family. So we're just gathered here right now just trying to be strong together."
This tragic event highlights the potential dangers on Interstate 70, one of the major east-west highways in the United States. Spanning 2,151 miles across 10 states, I-70 has been a crucial transportation artery since its construction began in 1956. The highway's final section was completed in Colorado in 1992, making it a vital link for both commercial and personal travel.
The accident occurred near Denver, the capital and most populous city of Colorado, nicknamed the "Mile High City" due to its elevation of exactly one mile above sea level. The proximity to the mountains, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, underscores the importance of road safety in this region.
The involvement of a semitruck in this accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards posed by these large vehicles. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, semitrucks can cause severe damage and injuries in the event of an accident.
As the community mourns this loss, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance while traveling on highways, especially in areas with heavy truck traffic.
"And then the baby without both of his parents, you know? It's hard. It's hard for the family. So we're just gathered here right now just trying to be strong together."