Fiery UPS Truck Crash On I-580 Near Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Jams Morning Commute
SAN RAFAEL (CBS SF) -- A UPS truck crashed and caught fire on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge in the San Quentin area of Marin County, snarling the Friday morning commute and sending plumes of white smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles.
The crash ruptured the fuel tanks on the driver's side of the truck and caused a fire between the truck and first trailer, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said.
The trailer containing 30,000 pounds of miscellaneous household became fully engulfed in flames, and the truck was partially blocking the eastbound traffic, Barclay said. The No. 2 lane of eastbound I-580 reopened at 9:18 a.m. and both eastbound lanes opened at 12:52 p.m.
The driver made it out of the truck safely, according to CHP. No other injuries were reported.
The accident blocked the eastern end of the bridge for most of the day and frustrated many drivers, forcing some to pull off the highway.
"I've been out here for a long time and I need to get to a restroom," said Dominic Beard.
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UPS Truck fire this AM on 580 extinguished by SRFD Firefighters. Extended overhaul, no injuries. Freeway impacted. pic.twitter.com/YkVFN7kyvd
— San Rafael Fire (@SRFD) April 10, 2015
All packages are insured by UPS up to a value of $100, unless the shipper declared a larger value.
The big rig driver -- Eleazar Gonzalez, 37, of San Leandro -- was not injured.
Gonzalez told investigators the big rig started jerking before the crash. Gonzalez was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, Barclay said.
Traffic was diverted around the crash site onto Main Street, then back on westbound I-580.
The crash damaged the center divider and westbound lane, and an environmental cleanup crew responded, Barclay said.
A Caltrans paving crew also was called to repave the asphalt.
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