A vehicle fire on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near the University Avenue on-ramp in Berkeley, CA, caused temporary traffic disruptions this morning. The incident occurred around 9:16 AM and involved one vehicle that caught fire. Bystanders quickly intervened, using fire extinguishers to control the flames before emergency services arrived on the scene.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The passenger in the other vehicle remained unharmed during the incident. However, the affected vehicle was deemed undriveable and was blocking the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, which impacted traffic flow in the area.
Emergency services responded promptly, with units arriving within approximately 25 minutes. By 9:19 AM, it was confirmed that the fire had been extinguished, and the vehicle was no longer ablaze. The situation was managed effectively, allowing for a quick resolution to the incident.
A tow truck was called to remove the non-drivable vehicle, which was successfully towed from the scene. The tow truck arrived around 10:10 AM, and the vehicle was cleared from the HOV lane shortly thereafter.
Drivers in the area were advised to exercise caution as the scene was being cleared. The quick actions of bystanders and the prompt response from emergency services helped prevent any further complications from the incident.
As of now, traffic has resumed normal flow on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80, and there are no lingering effects from the vehicle fire. Motorists are reminded to stay vigilant and report any emergencies to authorities to ensure safety on the roads.
This incident underscores the importance of community involvement in emergency situations and the effectiveness of local emergency services in responding swiftly.