SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Traffic on San Diego freeways was at a standstill four days in a row after separate semi-truck incidents throughout the week caused major delays and hours-long traffic jams.
Semi truck crashes, bursts into flames on I-805
The first incident took place Tuesday morning, when a big rig carrying almonds crashed on the I-805 south around 6 a.m. The semi-truck was destroyed after crashing into an attenuator (crash cushion) near the I-8 connect ramp. CHP confirmed the driver died during the crash.
Traffic on I-805 south was backed up for over 10 hours, and lanes officially reopened at 7 p.m. that evening. Traffic spilled onto nearby freeways, affecting several on-and-off ramps and side streets. Officials have not yet determined what caused the crash.
Semi truck overturns on I-15 south near Mission Valley
On Wednesday afternoon, the second major traffic incident of the week occurred when a semi-truck overturned on I-15 southbound near Friars Road after a speeding car slammed into its side, backing up traffic for several hours. The semi was also leaking fuel after the collision.
The crash happened around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after Tuesday’s fatal collision. Four lanes remained closed throughout the evening, with traffic consolidated into one lane near the Frairs Road exit until HAZMAT crews cleaned the debris.
See real-time road conditions on the FOX 5/KUSI Live Traffic Map
*Watch the video above to see traffic on I-15 south snarled for hours on Wednesday afternoon.
No injuries were reported in Wednesday’s crash.
Traffic backed up on I-8 and I-805 due to stalled semi
A stalled semi-truck was reported on the I-8 west at the I-805 south connect on Thursday, blocking the connecting roadway and backing up traffic for around two hours. The stalled semi was reported around 5 p.m., snarling traffic on the I-805.
As of 5:43 p.m., traffic from the connecting roadway on the I-805 south was backed up to Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. At around 6:30 p.m., traffic in the area eventually began to clear.
Box truck carrying solar panels catches fire on I-15
On Friday morning, authorities reported a box truck carrying a shipment of solar panels caught fire on the I-15 southbound near Normal Heights and Kensington. The incident reportedly happened around 7 a.m., just north of Adams Avenue.
Huge flames of smoke were reportedly seen coming from the truck’s engine compartment. Traffic in the area was heavily congested briefly due to the fire. Crews contained the vehicle to the right shoulder and extinguished the flames, allowing traffic to flow smoothly shortly after the incident…