UPDATE 10/15 @ 7:45 a.m.
All northbound and southbound lanes on I-5 are now open to traffic. Despite the freeway opening to traffic in both directions earlier then expected, motorists should still plan for additional commute time when leaving for their destination.
Update (Director of CalTrans, Will Kempton, says Tuesday morning would be the absolute earliest the freeway will open and that is only if all goes as planned.)
There was a horrible 15-vehicle accident (5-6 semi trucks) last night at about 11pm on the I5 in an underpass that resulted in a pile up and a blazing fire that spanned about 1/8th of a mile long and caused an indefinite closure of the freeway. The fire burned so hot that the steel in the concrete overpass began to expand resulting in the concrete shattering and falling.
As of now, two deaths have been reported, and there is one truck driver that is said to be missing. It is not known if there are any passenger vehicles under the debris of the 15 trucks. There have been many injuries as a result of this accident and firefighters, CHP and CalTrans are working 24/7 to get I5 open by Tuesday morning at the absolute earliest. Crews are working 10 feet at a time into the tunnel removing debris in a methodical manner for safety reasons as well as taking into consideration that they may encounter human remains.
The 5 is closed from the 126 to the Roxford offramp and traffic is being diverted through the SCV to the 14 which is open and moving very slowly. At 6am this morning KABC reported that you could access I5 South via the 14, but I5 Northbound was closed. According to reports from local residents, it is about a 1 hour and 45 minute delay to get out of the SCV.
KABC has more on the story here.
Assemblyman Camyron Smith’s office has been working with the governor’s office to try and receive a state of emergency declaration in order to receive funds needed to bring the freeway back to safe conditions.
I have a friend that was driving home at about 11:30 last night from the valley and they didn’t get home until about 3:30. What a nightmare. Apparently, there was one accident that caused the first truck to slam on his brakes which started the reaction. The rain always makes for hazardous driving conditions, but the first rain of the season adds danger due to the road being more slippery than normal.
If you have any other stories or comments, please leave them so we can provide as much information as possible.
That stretch of freeway should be for BIG RIG trucks only, all cars using it should be cited. PERIOD!