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A multi-vehicle collision involving a jackknifed semi-truck has brought traffic to a grinding halt on Interstate 80 westbound near the Carquinez Bridge in Vallejo, California. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred around 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, when the semi-truck carrying a load of construction materials lost control and jackknifed, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as the semi-truck veered across the lanes, causing several other vehicles to collide with it or swerve off the road to avoid the collision.
It was like a scene from a movie,
said Sarah Johnson, a motorist who witnessed the incident.
The truck just started swaying from side to side, and then it jackknifed right across the highway. Cars were swerving and slamming on their brakes, and there was debris flying everywhere.
Multi-Agency Response
Emergency crews, including the CHP, Vallejo Fire Department, and paramedics, rushed to the scene to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. At least six vehicles were involved in the collision, and several people sustained minor to moderate injuries, according to the CHP.
The Vallejo Fire Department reported that one person had to be extricated from their vehicle using the Jaws of Life. The individual was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Massive Traffic Backup
As a result of the incident, all westbound lanes of I-80 were blocked, causing a massive traffic backup that stretched for miles. The CHP issued a Sig-alert and urged motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
We’re advising drivers to take Highway 37 or Interstate 680 as alternate routes,
said CHP Officer David Hines.
This is going to be a significant cleanup effort, and the lanes will likely remain blocked for several hours.
Environmental Concerns
In addition to the traffic disruption, the incident has raised concerns about potential environmental impacts. The semi-truck was carrying a load of construction materials, including bags of concrete mix, which spilled onto the roadway and nearby shoulder. Hazardous materials teams were called to the scene to assess and mitigate any potential contamination.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the CHP. Authorities are reviewing footage from nearby traffic cameras and interviewing witnesses to determine the factors that led to the semi-truck losing control.
At this point, it’s too early to speculate on the cause,
said Officer Hines.
We’ll be thoroughly investigating all possible contributing factors, including driver fatigue, mechanical issues, or any potential distractions.
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