I-80 At Applegate Back Open After Propane Tanker Crash; Driver Ejected From Truck
PLACER COUNTY (CBS13) — Interstate 80 has fully reopened near Applegate in Placer County after a propane truck crash forced a hard closure Monday afternoon.
The crash happened a little before 2:30 p.m. near the Heather Glen off-ramp.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the truck was ejected during the crash and was taken to the hospital with major injuries. CHP said the driver who was not wearing a seatbelt, was speeding and took the exit at Heather Glen too fast causing the tanker to roll down the hill onto the interstate.
The propane truck reportedly tipped over and landed on its wheels. Authorities said propane was leaking from the truck and caused the hours-long closure.
"It was leaking, so some material did spill into the roadway. You could smell it out here. If there is any kind of ignition device, it is going to explode," said Officer David Martinez from CHP Auburn.
For several hours, eastbound traffic was being diverted at Applegate while westbound traffic was being diverted around at Weimar Cross Road.
"It said to use an alternate route and by that time you were already in the thick of it," said, driver Robin Stills.
The delay left drivers frustrated.
"I have water in my car, just trying to be as patient as can be but you know hitting the side of the car occasionally," said Robin Stills.
Kyle Sipher pulled over after two hours behind the wheel hoping to get back to Nevada before the rain and snow expected overnight.
"Hoping to beat the weather too because come the rain comes, the snow and I think a lot of people are trying to get over the hill anyways. It's a perfect storm, oh man!" explained Sipher.
