Early Sunday morning, a shuttle bus and a pickup truck collided near Denver International Airport, resulting in the death of a 77-year-old shuttle passenger and serious injuries to 10 others. The crash occurred at the intersection of Tower Road and East 81st Avenue. According to Commerce City Police, both drivers remained at the scene. Authorities have not yet released information about what led to the crash or who may have been at fault.
When a crash involves a commercial vehicle like a shuttle bus, investigators must carefully examine whether it was being operated safely and whether any other factors contributed to the outcome.
Could Driver Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Shuttle drivers often operate on tight schedules, sometimes during early morning hours when fatigue can be a factor. If either driver was inattentive or impaired by fatigue, that could have delayed their reaction time and contributed to the severity of the crash. Reviewing the shuttle driver’s shift history, rest periods, and possible distractions, like GPS systems or handheld devices, will be essential. It will also be important to examine the condition of the pickup truck driver.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Examined?
To determine liability and reconstruct the crash, investigators will need to gather dash cam footage, surveillance video from nearby businesses, and data from the Engine Control Modules (ECMs) of both vehicles. Witness statements, physical evidence from the roadway, and vehicle damage assessments will all help clarify how the collision unfolded.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Necessary
When a fatal collision involves a commercial vehicle carrying multiple passengers, the stakes are especially high. Identifying whether the crash stemmed from driver error, poor maintenance, or another contributing factor is key to ensuring accountability is assigned where appropriate and providing clear answers to those affected.