Semi truck leaking diesel fuel causes closure on westbound I-10 Washington Street off-ramp

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ)- UPDATE: According to the California Highway Patrol's incident page the sig alert has ended and the westbound Interstate 10 Washington Street off-ramp is now back open.

Original Report

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ)- A semi truck crashed into a light pole and guardrails on the westbound Interstate 10 Washington Street off-ramp early Friday morning, prompting the California Highway Patrol to request a hard closure of the ramp while crews work to clean up and recover the vehicle.

According to information provided by CHP, the crash was first reported at approximately 2:48 a.m. The semi struck a light pole and guardrails, leaving the Washington Street off-ramp blocked.

Caltrans was notified shortly after the crash, at approximately 2:51 a.m.

By 3:34 a.m., CHP reported that both drivers apparently told officers they were not injured. The semi truck was estimated to weigh about 40,000 pounds and was reportedly experiencing steering problems. Officers also reported leaking air lines.

A heavy-duty tow was requested as crews worked to determine how to safely remove the truck.

Officer Torres with CHP said the Washington Street off-ramp will remain closed for some time because of the cleanup and recovery operation. Torres said the closure is related in part to a diesel fuel leak from the semi.

CHP requested a hard closure of the off-ramp at approximately 3:38 a.m. and requested assistance from Cal Fire because of the reported leak. Cal Fire was notified shortly afterward.

Despite the collision and fuel leak, officials said no one was harmed. However, the disabled semi is blocking a lane and must be recovered before the roadway can fully reopen.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-10 should avoid the Washington Street off-ramp and use an alternate exit. Drivers should expect the closure to continue while cleanup, fuel removal and vehicle recovery operations are completed.

CHP has not provided an estimated reopening time for the off-ramp.