Chemical Tanker Truck Explodes on I-10, Driver Injured

A tanker truck carrying hazardous materials exploded last Friday while traveling along I-10, injuring the driver and leading to an extended closure of the highway.

The explosion occurred at 7:30 a.m. near Red Cloud Mine Road, east of Chiraco Summit, for reasons that are still unknown, according to Rob Roseen, a spokesperson for Cal Fire/Riverside County. When emergency crews arrived, they found the truck completely engulfed in flames. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) shut down both directions of I-10 until approximately 11:15 a.m.

Hazardous Materials Teams responded to the incident, allowing the truck to burn until the fire was put out. The incident took place in an open area.

By noon, all eastbound lanes of I-10 had been reopened, but the westbound lanes remained closed as fire crews continued their work in the area.

The driver was assessed by paramedics for minor injuries and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Fire crews remained on the scene for about three more hours.

Fire officials noted that the driver, who sustained minor injuries, was taken to the hospital for a thorough check-up. The cause of the explosion and the specific contents of the truck have not yet been determined.

Image source: Cal Fire