Truck Crash Spills Fuel, Watermelons On Interstate 10

A truck driver suffered moderate injuries today when his big rig overturned on Interstate 10, spilling fuel and a load of watermelons, according to authorities.

The fast lane of westbound Interstate 10, just east of Dillon Road in Coachella, was closed as of 9:30 a.m. as crews cleaned up the mess, which was isolated to the center divide, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Donavan Rice.

The crash happened about 5:30 a.m., according to the CHP.

Watermelons spilled from the truck when the driver lost control and swerved into the center divide. A fuel tank ruptured, sending about 50 gallons of diesel onto the dirt median, the CHP reported.

A hazardous material team was sent to the scene, Rice said.

The driver was taken to the hospital by paramedics around 6 a.m., said Jody Hagemann of Cal Fire.