A significant traffic incident involving three vehicles occurred today on Interstate 680 South near the North Main Street off-ramp in Walnut Creek, CA. The collision took place around 5:36 PM, when a gray sedan and a white SUV collided and subsequently struck a tree. Shortly after the crash, one of the vehicles caught fire, leading to a light pole falling and blocking one lane of traffic.
Emergency services were dispatched at 5:39 PM, with multiple units from fire and traffic control arriving on the scene by 5:45 PM. Firefighters quickly began efforts to extinguish the fire, which had fully engulfed one vehicle. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, although a person was extracted from one of the vehicles.
The incident caused considerable traffic disruption, with authorities estimating that two lanes would remain blocked for approximately 2.5 hours. A traffic control unit was activated to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure safety at the scene. By 6:23 PM, a traffic alert was issued, warning drivers of the ongoing delays.
As of 7:50 PM, emergency responders continued to manage the situation, with one vehicle completely burned and likely towed due to the extent of the damage. The status of the other vehicles involved was not specified, but they were also expected to be towed.
Drivers in the area are advised to seek alternate routes and remain cautious as cleanup efforts continue. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, including reports that one of the vehicles was speeding before the crash.
This incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices and the potential consequences of reckless behavior on the road.