BARSTOW, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Interstate 40 westbound has been closed near Exit 18, east of Barstow, due to a tractor-trailer fire that damaged a bridge.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:42 am on October 4, 2024, near Lava Wash. Diesel fuel from the truck leaked into the waterway below.
All westbound traffic is being redirected at National Trails Highway to detour around the site of the incident. Emergency personnel are currently on the scene working to extinguish the fire and manage the cleanup of the burned tractor-trailer, which was transporting frozen chicken.
Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are on hand to assist vehicles caught in the traffic disruption. CHP officials have confirmed that a bridge sustained damage and are collaborating with Caltrans to assess when it will be safe to reopen the roadway.
“There is no estimated time of opening. It is our top priority to open the roadway as soon as safe to do so,” stated a representative from the Barstow CHP.
At about 9:40 am, CHP provided an update and said clean-up crews were on scene working to clear debris from the road and open the #2 lane of traffic. All traffic that was stuck due to the fire has been cleared. Traffic is still utilizing the detour/bypass at National Trails Highway around the incident.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when approaching the area and be mindful of emergency crews at work. The alternate route provided should be used safely.
Information on if the driver was injured was not available at the time of this article.
This is an ongoing situation, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
