Multi-vehicle crash results in two injuries, fuel leak on I-10 Tuesday morning
WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) — A crash involving a semi-truck in Whitewater early Tuesday prompted a hazardous materials response and caused traffic delays for drivers heading into the Coachella Valley, authorities said.
The crash was reported shortly after 1 a.m. and involved a semi-truck that leaked fuel onto the roadway. Emergency crews shut down multiple lanes while hazmat teams worked to contain and clean up the spill.
A preliminary investigation revealed a tractor-trailer collided with another tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder of I-10 in front of the Whitewater Rest Area, which caused one of the semi trucks to rupture its "right side saddle tank, causing a release of fuel and engine oil onto the right shoulder of Interstate 10 eastbound,'' the agency said.
A second crash occurred a short time later involving three other vehicles after they attempted to avoid the initial crash. In total, four semi trucks and a 2023 white Subaru were involved in the two collisions, authorities said.
A 46-year-old man from Bell and a 60-year-old man from Long Beach were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for complaints of pain. No other injuries were reported.
The No. 3 and 4 lanes were temporarily closed for clean-up, but re-opened by 10 a.m. Caltrans and the Department of Environmental Health were requested to assist at the scene.
