Sacramento,CA : Big-rig crash, fire jams south I-15 in Mira Mesa on July, Thursday 6th 2017

A big-rig crashed across a concrete lane divider of south Interstate 15 in Mira Mesa, where the driver escaped as the truck cab erupted in flames early Thursday.

The tractor-trailer hauling retail goods and clothing hit the concrete divider and rolled onto its right side, skidding about 30 feet. It stopped with the cab on one side of the barrier separating southbound lanes from the car pool lanes, and the trailer on the other side.

The mess caused a nearly 5-hour traffic jam as commuters began to hit the freeway.

Driver Jose Torres, 39, who suffered a cut chin, told reporters he was driving at 55 mph, drinking a cup of coffee, when his tires jerked to the left.

“Next thing you know, I’m on the guard rail, the truck turning over, I smell the flames, and trying to get out,” he said, adding, “I’m still in shock.”

He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The crash occurred about 4:15 a.m. north of Mira Mesa Boulevard. Other drivers reported to the CHP that the truck cab was on fire. Within 10 minutes, it was clear that the driver had gotten out safely, according to the CHP.

Firefighters got the fire out by 5 a.m., keeping the flames from spreading back into the trailer. The intense blaze left only a blackened skeleton of the cab, with metal melted into the pavement.

Two left southbound lanes and the HOV lanes were closed for hours, while firefighters doused the blaze and California Highway Patrol officers worked with tow truck drivers to remove the wreckage.

A hazardous materials crew was called in to clean up spilled fuel and other fluids. Cal Trans workers swept up debris.

CHP Officer Jake Sanchez said investigators will try to determine whether the truck swerved across the freeway because of driver error or a mechanical defect.

All southbound traffic lanes were closed about 7:30 a.m. for half an hour as tow trucks pulled the big-rig off the barrier wall. The express lanes reopened shortly before 9 a.m.


Source :
Big-rig crash, fire jams south I-15 in Mira Mesa