Semi crash spills diesel, damages guardrail on I-215 near SR-74
PERRIS — A semi-truck carrying about 25,000 pounds of groceries and pallets crashed on northbound Interstate 215 near State Route 74 early Saturday, Aug. 22, spilling diesel fuel and motor oil and prompting an hourslong lane closure, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported at about 5:48 a.m. CHP logs initially indicated the semi and trailer had struck the right shoulder in what appeared to be a solo-vehicle collision.
The truck driver was injured, and CHP later classified the incident as a minor-injury collision. The driver was transported to a hospital, according to the CHP incident log.
The crash damaged approximately 100 feet of guardrail and left an estimated 40 to 50 gallons of diesel fuel and motor oil on the roadway and shoulder, prompting authorities to classify the incident as a hazardous-materials response.
The California Office of Emergency Services was notified, and Caltrans was requested to assist with the fuel and oil cleanup.
CHP issued a SigAlert shortly after 6:15 a.m. as crews worked to remove the tractor-trailer and clean up the spill. A heavy-duty tow truck was requested because the trailer was loaded with approximately 25,000 pounds of pallets and groceries.
By 7:20 a.m., a lane closure was in place. CHP continued extending the SigAlert as cleanup operations progressed, including an additional three-hour extension shortly after 9 a.m.
CHP Temecula advised motorists to expect delays, use alternate routes and give emergency personnel room to work. Drivers were also warned not to slow down or stop to view the crash because of the risk of secondary collisions.
No additional injuries were reported in the CHP incident log.
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A crash involving hazardous materials prompted an extended lane closure Saturday morning, Aug. 22, on northbound Interstate 215 south of State Route 74, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP Temecula said the slow lane of northbound I-215 was expected to remain closed for approximately four hours while emergency crews responded to the crash and cleared the hazardous materials.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area if possible, expect delays and use alternate routes.
CHP also urged drivers traveling through the area not to stop or slow down to view the crash scene, warning that such behavior can contribute to secondary collisions.
The agency said hazardous-material incidents require a specialized response and can take significantly longer to clear than typical traffic collisions.
No information was immediately available regarding injuries or the type of hazardous material involved.
