A tanker truck carrying 7,500 gallons of gasoline crashed and caught fire at the Interstate 5 and Highway 2 interchange around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13th. No injuries were reported in the crash, but the crash caused severe damage to an underpass, requiring the closure of the 5 and 2. As of Monday morning, all northbound Interstate 5 lanes and two southbound lanes remain closed, creating massive traffic delays in the area. As of Tuesday morning, all lanes were open.
Authorities believe that the tanker hit a guardrail, causing the vehicle to catch fire. The resulting fire from the crash was so hot that the tanker truck nearly disintegrated. The gasoline spread from the site, causing small fires in nearby storm drains, vegetation, and even the L.A. River. Fire authorities believe that most of the gasoline has since burned off or dispersed into the storm drains and are working with environmental authorities to assess the dangers. About 200 firefighters were tasked with stopping surrounding fires.
Engineers are assessing damage to structural columns that support Interstate 5 a the Highway 2 interchange. Authorities have noted that the incredible heat of the fire caused damage to the concrete.
