Man killed in Summit County vehicle explosion; sheriff rules out criminal act

Summit County is a mountainous Colorado county that includes popular outdoor recreation areas, including numerous trailheads used year-round by hikers, skiers, and other visitors. Vehicle fires and explosions at remote locations often draw multi-agency response given the potential ambiguity around cause and the limited immediate access for first responders. The ATF has jurisdiction over investigations involving explosives and can assist local agencies in determining whether a vehicle explosion involved any explosive devices or accelerants. A sheriff's determination that an incident is not criminal does not preclude ongoing investigation into the specific cause or circumstances of the explosion.