Chemical-Hauling Tanker Truck Explodes On I-10, Injuring Driver: CHP

COACHELLA, CA — A tanker truck hauling hazardous materials exploded Friday while traveling on I-10, injuring the driver and resulting in an hours-long closure of the roadway.

At 7:30 a.m. the truck exploded for unknown reasons as it neared Red Cloud Mine Road east of the Chiraco Summit, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County spokesperson Rob Roseen. Arriving crews found the truck fully aflame. California Highway Patrol Officers shut down I-10 in both directions of the freeway until almost 11:15 a.m.

"Hazardous Materials Teams worked the scene, and the truck was allowed to burn until the fire was extinguished. The commercial vehicle burned in an area of open land," Roseen said.

By noon, all eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 have been reopened. Westbound lanes remain closed as fire resources continue working in the area.

"The driver of the vehicle was evaluated by paramedics for minor injuries and transported by ground to a local hospital. Fire resources will remain on scene for approximately three hours," they said.

Fire officials said the truck's driver was evaluated at the scene for minor injuries and taken to a hospital to be checked out. It remained unclear what caused the fire and what the truck was hauling.