Truck hauler catches fire on I-10 causing traffic delays near Whitewater

8:45pm Update: CHP reports that two lanes have re-opened. Crews remain on scene clearing wreckage and assessing damage to the Whitewater Bridge, which remains closed pending further inspection for structural damage.

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) – Cal Trans has issued a Sig Alert on Interstate Ten near Whitewater. Just before 5:00 p.m. emergency crews were alerted to a truck hauling several cars on fire.

The truck is reportedly under the Whitewater bridge and crews are on scene working to put out the fire. "Nine vehicles plus the tractor trailer were extinguished and one electric vehicle was removed from the trailer and is burning." stated Cal Fire. "The hazardous materials team successfully removed 50 gallons of diesel fuel from the saddle tanks of the tractor."

According to the California Highway Patrol the bridge is closed in both directions, and all Eastbound traffic has been halted. The East Bound Whitewater Onramp to the freeway is also closed. At 8:45 pm Wednesday night Eastbound traffic was backed up through the pass to Banning.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.