SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Lanes have been reopened following a deadly semi-truck crash and fire in Mission Valley Tuesday morning.
The incident was reported just after 6 a.m. on southbound I-805 at the transition to Interstate 8, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Details on what led to the crash were unclear, but the collision was followed by a fire that fully engulfed the semitruck — which was hauling almonds — at the freeway transition.
CHP officials added, “A combination of diesel and oil entered a storm drain. The spill did not affect any nearby waterways.”
The big rig's driver, who was not identified, died at the scene, according to CHP officials.
CHP Officer Sal Castro said, “The big rig was fully engulfed in flames when our officers arrived on scene. They did locate the big rig fully engulfed as a result of the crash … no other injuries to other drivers, just what appears to be property damage only.”
Brandi Munday told ABC 10News her car was parked below the freeway where the incident occurred. The crash and fire sent almonds raining down on her vehicle.
“I look on the bridge and there's literally like this mushroom cloud of smoke, like black smoke, and fire and flames,” Munday said. “When I came to move my car, there [were] literally almonds falling down it, like grazing my head.”
The nuts scattered all over her car, with some pieces smashing her engine and leaving a big dent – damage that Munday said will be expensive to fix.
Southbound I-805 lanes in the immediate area were closed for several hours due to the emergency response and clean-up.
The CHP San Diego Area is investigating the circumstances that led to the crash and fire.
CHP officials stated, “It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the crash. A toxicology report is pending through the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office.”
