STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 5, 2021-Personnel with the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) and Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) responded to a vehicle fire around 9:30am this morning, Tuesday, January 5, involving a CDOT Plow Truck traveling into Steamboat Springs from Milner.
The plow truck operator reported a fire and pulled over on US Highway 40 eastbound alongside of the Combined Law Enforcement Center near Lagoon Court. When SSPD units arrived, a traffic safety zone was established around the disable vehicle as SSFR was enroute to the scene.
A police officer approached the vehicle to check on the welfare of the driver when a tire on the truck exploded, shaking windows in adjacent buildings. The officer received injuries from the explosion and was transported to UCHealth/Yampa Valley Medical Center for evaluation but has since been released.
The current wave of snow falling across the Yampa Valley provides a good reminder to SLOW DOWN in hazardous conditions and especially when being directed around an emergency scene. Colorado law requires all motorist to MOVE OVER FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES so first responders have a safety buffer to their jobs, which as seen in this case can take a serious turn within seconds.
“I want to thank all the community members who have reached out about the welfare of our officer,” said Police Commander Annette Dopplick. “We appreciate everyone’s concern and well wishes. We are grateful that this didn’t turn into something more serious for everyone involved.”
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Contact
Annette Dopplick, Police Commander, 970.879.4344 or email
Cory Christensen, Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email