Truck Driver Suffers Significant Burns In Fire On I-580

LIVERMORE, CA - A dump truck burst into flames on Interstate Highway 580 in unincorporated Alameda County today, significantly injuring the driver and causing massive traffic delays, fire officials said.

The vehicle fire was reported shortly before noon on eastbound Highway 580 near the North Flynn Road off-ramp, Alameda County Fire Battalion Chief Stephanie Radecke said. It was reported that a dump truck filled with dirt blew a tire, slammed into a guardrail and then caught on fire, Radecke said.

The driver, who immediately jumped out of the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames, suffered significant burns to his face, hands and upper body, Radecke said.

He was airlifted by a medical helicopter shortly before 1 p.m. to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center's burn center in San Jose, Radecke said. Fire crews from various local jurisdictions also battled a 4-acre grass fire that was started by the big-rig blaze, Radecke said. Because it was on steep terrain, it took until around 2:30 p.m. to extinguish the blaze, Radecke said.

Crews were still clearing remaining hot spots at the scene as of 3:30 p.m.

At least two lanes have remained blocked by the incident since it occurred, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP last reported it was waiting for the burned truck to be towed to reopen the lanes. Radecke said motorists should expect significant traffic delays on eastbound Highway 580 for the evening commute.

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