A woman and a man died in a suspected DUI crash involving an SUV and a big rig in Madera County on New Year's Eve, with alcohol or drugs likely being a factor, and no seat belts worn by most occupants.
Several firefighters were injured, with at least two in critical condition, after pressurized cylinders on a big rig exploded in Wilmington. The blast occurred near the intersection of Alameda Street and North Henry Ford Avenue, and it was unclear what caused the cylinders to catch on fire. Motorists were advised to avoid the area as the situation developed.
A big rig carrying 20 tons of chocolate caught fire on westbound Interstate 80 in Placer County, causing a traffic jam as officials cleaned up the scene. Firefighters were able to contain the flames, and no injuries were reported. Chocolate is highly flammable due to its high fat content.
Kuhnle Motorsports Park in Ohio hosted the inaugural Unc's Semi Stampede, featuring big-rig competitors in an uphill drag race. The event showcased the power and torque of these massive 19-liter V8 diesel engines, with the force being strong enough to lift a front tire. The trucks, towing loaded trailers weighing over 100,000 pounds, faced tremendous stresses and twisted on the track. While big rig drag racing has been popular in Quebec, Canada, for decades, it is gaining popularity in the US as well.
A sugar truck and a big rig carrying carnival equipment crashed on Interstate 80 in Richmond, California, causing a sticky situation for drivers. The crash occurred when the sugar truck rear-ended the carnival-carrying truck, and the carnival truck driver was flown to the hospital with serious injuries. Two heavy wreckers were called to pry the stuck trucks apart, and piles of sugar covered portions of the highway. Traffic was moving slowly through the area, and it could take hours to fully correct the situation.
An overturned big rig on eastbound I-80 near Watt Avenue in Sacramento has blocked all lanes, redirecting traffic to the Longview exit. Crews are working to clear sod spilled on the roadway, and at least one lane has since reopened. Drivers are advised to be aware of the stop-and-go traffic in the area.
An overturned big rig on Highway 50 in Sacramento is causing a traffic delay as it is blocking three lanes. Two people had minor injuries but nobody needed to be taken to the hospital. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and take alternate routes.
An overturned big-rig on the Bay Bridge has blocked four eastbound lanes, causing major delays during Tuesday's evening commute. The California Highway Patrol has advised motorists to use alternate routes and all other big rigs to exit off eastbound Interstate 80 at 4th Street due to insufficient clearance for trucks to pass the overturned truck.
A big-rig truck overturned on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, causing major traffic delays and prompting a detour over the Golden Gate Bridge. The truck driver likely lost control due to high wind gusts. Emergency crews are working to clear the lanes, but further delays are expected. Unusually strong wind gusts caused havoc throughout the city, including fallen trees and suspended ferry service. The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management urged residents to use 311 for storm-related calls and save 911 for life safety calls only.