Separate big-rig accidents snarl traffic on Hwy 238, westbound Hwy 24 in Oakland

Incidents involving a big-rig fire in San Leandro blocking the northbound SR-238 connector in San Leandro and an overturned big-rig on westbound Highway 24 at the Caldecott Tunnel are causing major traffic delays Wednesday morning, CHP said.

The first incident was reported at around 2:15 a.m. when a big-rig crashed crashed into the center divide and caught fire on the northbound SR-238 connector ramp to I-880 N in San Leandro. As of 5 a.m., the connector ramp is closed and traffic is being diverted from northbound I-238 to southbound I-880. 

Alameda County Fire posted video of crews responding to the fire early Tuesday. The post said the trailer was hauling food and produce and that the driver was not injured. As of 7:20 a.m., firefighters were still on scene.

The Hayward office of the CHP shared photos and videos of the progress being made clearing the scene, but the northbound connector remained closed with traffic moving slowly past the accident location.

Shortly before 5 a.m., CHP responded to another injury collision involving a big rig on westbound Highway 24 just past the Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland that has blocked all lanes. Video from the scene showed the big-rig had overturned and was on its side.   

Traffic is being diverted off to northbound Highway 13. So far there is no word on the condition of the injured parties in either incident. CHP and Caltrans personnel are at the scene of both accidents.

As of 8:30 a.m., crews were still clearing the sod that the truck was carrying from the roadway, as shown in video posted on social media by the CHP Oakland office.

By around 9:20 a.m., CHP said the debris was cleared and Caltrans was working to finish sweeping the area. Crews were able to reopen all westbound lanes of Highway 24 at around 9:50 a.m.

Motorists are advised to expect delays in both areas and to use alternate routes. 

In:
• Caldecott Tunnel
• San Leandro
• CHP
• Oakland
• Traffic