Car collides with nitrogen-filled tanker truck, alcohol a factor

Authorities say alcochol was a factor in a late night crash in Palm Desert. It happened Monday night just after 11 p.m. on Monterey Avenue before Dillon Road.

A tanker truck carrying nitrogen was entering the eastbound side of the freeway when a Toyota Corolla ran a red light and broadsided the truck. The eastbound on-ramp was temporarily shut down. We spoke to CHP Sergeant Joe Zogorski about the possible dangers of nitrogen being released into the air, but he says there are none to humans or the environment.

The drivers of the big rig and car were not injured. A passenger in the car had minor injuries to his head and was treated at the scene. CHP tells us the driver of the car was arrested for driving under the influence.