Lanes reopen on I-10 after big rig rollover

The California Highway Patrol was called to a semi truck crash near Cabazon Wednesday morning on I-10. Officers said the big rig rolled at about 7:45 a.m. near Main Street.

Westbound lanes of the interstate were closed for over four hours while authorities removed the overturned truck. Officers were finally able to reopen the interstate just before 12 p.m.

The truck jackknifed, blocking three of the four westbound lanes. One lane of eastbound traffic was also closed while authorities cleared the wreckage.

Nobody was injured in the crash but westbound traffic was backed up to Highway 111. Officials advised drivers to take an alternate route or expect major delays until noon.

Caltrans recently installed removable barriers along the median of the I-10 to divert traffic in case of a serious accident on the freeway, but they say this crash wasn’t serious enough.

They say at least one or two lanes of the freeway remained open in both directions at all times, allowing traffic through. The gates would be opened only if traffic comes to a complete stop and the road is expected to be closed for hours.

Police said the crash was weather-related due to a wet road after heavy rainfall in the area.

The driver, 67-year-old Nikolai Mikhailenko of Amhurst, New York, was carrying 102 children’s bicycles when he lost control of his truck while entering a sweeping right turn in the slow lane of eastbound I-10, according to CHP.

Initial reports state the semi truck was traveling along Morongo Trail before accessing the interstate.