Overturned big rig was carrying 32K lbs. of frozen food
The California Highway Patrol said a big rig carrying about 32,000 pounds of frozen food overturned Tuesday morning on Interstate 10 in Indio. Officials said the No. 3 lane of the interstate reopened at about 4 p.m.; a good sign for commuters dealing with traffic backups throughout the day.
37773490The No. 3 lane was closed throughout much of the day while authorities cleared the scene. It was originally expected to reopen at 5 p.m. However, officers said the off-ramp at Jefferson Street is still closed.
Authorities said a 50-year-old man from Beaumont was driving a Volvo tractor with a trailer when he made an unsafe turn to the right near the Jefferson Street interchange, striking a street sign and a concrete K-rail that divided the off-ramp from the rest of the freeway. The crash occurred at about 6:48 a.m.
The California Highway Patrol said the truck driver complained of pain but didn’t have to go to the hospital. The collision is under investigation but officers said alcohol and/or drugs don’t appear to be factors.
Traffic was at a near standstill for more than a mile to Washington Street in the eastbound freeway lanes. Debris from the truck spilled onto the middle and slow lane of the freeway. Officers said it would be several hours until the eastbound lanes are completely reopened.
Making the commute even worse — another collision in the eastbound lanes happened at about 9:05 a.m., just one mile west of the first accident. Authorities said a 25-year-old man from Indio was driving a Honda Civic when he rear-ended a GMC Sierra driven by a 62-year-old man from Washington.
Nobody was taken to the hospital in that crash either but the Honda was majorly damaged, officers said in the release.
Westbound freeway traffic was not impacted by either collision. Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 / CBS Local 2 News for updated information.
