A vehicle slammed into a building near 5th Avenue and Bryant Street in downtown Denver on Thursday, sparking a large fire that sent thick smoke pouring over the area and drew a fast, heavy emergency response. Streets around the scene were quickly shut down as firefighters battled the flames and police launched an investigation.
According to a post from Denver Police, officers were investigating the crash after the vehicle hit the structure. Local TV coverage reported that the building included a gas station that appeared to be burning, and crews could be seen working to contain the fire and secure the site, KDVR reported.
Witnesses describe explosion
“We heard and felt an explosion,” said Robert Lopez, who told KDVR he and other workers were nearby when the vehicle struck the building. Other bystanders said the blast rattled nearby storefronts and sent people rushing outside to see whether anything on their block had been damaged.
Road closures and commute impacts
The Denver Police Department shut down the intersection of 5th Avenue and Bryant Street in all directions and urged drivers to steer clear of the area while emergency crews remained on scene. Officials cautioned commuters to expect delays and to use alternate routes while investigators documented the crash and fire.
Local reaction and video
Eyewitness videos and posts quickly spread across social media and neighborhood forums, showing heavy smoke and visible flames pouring from the site. On Reddit, users near Ball Arena shared firsthand clips and on-the-ground updates, describing damage to the building and surrounding gas pumps as the fire burned and crews worked.
Authorities have not released information about what caused the crash or the condition of anyone who may have been inside the building. Officials said the scene remained active Thursday afternoon, with more details expected once the investigation moves forward.
