2 Dead In Chain-Reaction Crash Involving Big Rigs, Sedans North Of Stockton
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY (CBS13) – The latest on a deadly chain-reaction crash on Interstate 5 Thursday morning:
3 p.m.
All lanes reopened on northbound I-5 Thursday afternoon from Eight Mile Road to SR-12.
CHP released an overview of the incident, detailing the crashes that occurred Thursday morning.
The department said Stockton CHP officers were investigating a crash between big rig and truck around 7:30 a.m. on I-5 south of SR-12. Caltrans was assisting with traffic control, warning drivers to slow due to the crash ahead while crews worked to clear the roadway.
During the initial investigation, CHP said a separate crash happened north of Eight Mile Road. Officers said six vehicles, a Hyundai, Dodge Ram, Dodge Journey, Peterbilt big rig and two Volvo big rigs, were stopped in the #3 (right) lane.
Officers said a big rig, driven by a 40-year-old woman from Arizona, then approached from the rear at approximately 55 mph and struck the Hyundai.
CHP said due to the impact of the collision, a chain reaction occurred with all six vehicles as they were pushed into the vehicle ahead.
After the collision, the Peterbilt big rig, Hyundai and Dodge ram became engulfed with fire.
Officers said the driver of the Hyundai, a 50-year-old male from Stockton, and the driver of the Dodge Ram, a 36-year-old male from Tracy, both suffered fatal injuries.
The driver of the Dodge Journey, a 47-year-old female from Stockton, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. No other injuries were reported.
CHP officers are investigating the crash. Drugs and/or alcohol were not determined to be a factor in the crash.
2:19 p.m.
Caltrans says they expected the middle and right lanes to stay closed through Thursday afternoon.
The roadway suffered damage after the big rig fire and crews will need to inspect the pavement before it can be reopened.
12:25 p.m.
The left lane of Interstate 5 from Eight Mile Road to the Highway 12 split has been reopened, Caltrans says.
Expect delays as the right lane remains closed.
Scene of the crash (swipe for more photos):
8:50 a.m.
A deadly crash involving multiple vehicles, including two big rigs, has northbound Interstate 5 closed between Eight Mile Road and the Flag City exit Thursday morning.
According to California Highway Patrol, at least five big rigs and two sedans were involved in the crash. At least two people have died, CHP says.
Exactly what led up to the crash, which happened around 7:30 a.m., is still under investigation.
Caltrans says northbound I-5 is closed from Eight Mile Road to Highway 12 for next several hours. Expect lengthy delays at northbound I-5 and Highway 12, just east of the Delta.
