Car Fire Blocks Caldecott Tunnel, Traps Vehicles Inside: CHP

LAMORINDA, CA — Some 20-30 cars were reportedly stuck inside the Caldecott Tunnel following a car fire Tuesday morning, firefighters told the California Highway Patrol.

The blaze was reported shortly before 10 a.m. Tuesday on eastbound state Highway 24 about halfway into the tunnel that connects Oakland to Orinda, according to CHP dispatchers.

Firefighters rushed to the scene but CHP officers could not immediately enter the tunnel because they did not have proper breathing equipment.

A sig-alert was issued and motorists were advised to expect delays and to use alternate routes to avoid the area.

All lanes of eastbound SR-24 were initially blocked for a time authorities could give no estimate for when all lanes would fully reopen. Shortly after noon, the right bore was reopened. The left bore reopened about 40 minutes later.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.