A serious traffic collision involving two vehicles occurred late last night on Interstate 5 South near Exit 728 in Dunsmuir, CA. The incident took place around 11:53 PM on October 28, 2024, when a pickup truck, reportedly stopped in traffic, was struck by a semi-truck. The impact resulted in a fire that completely engulfed the pickup truck.
All occupants of the pickup truck managed to escape before the flames spread, but one individual was transported to Mercy Redding for medical attention due to injuries sustained in the collision. The semi-truck sustained significant front-end damage and was rendered inoperable, leaving both vehicles unable to be moved from the scene.
Emergency services responded promptly, managing traffic and extinguishing the fire. All lanes were blocked immediately following the collision, causing significant traffic delays. Authorities implemented a hard closure to redirect traffic off at nearby exits, with the scene remaining closed for several hours as cleanup efforts were conducted.
The fire was reported just moments after the collision, and by approximately 3:20 AM, the scene was cleared, allowing all lanes to reopen to traffic. The pickup truck was completely destroyed in the fire, and most belongings inside were burned. Reports indicated that a cat was also present in the vehicle, and arrangements were made for its care.
This incident highlights the dangers present on the road and the importance of safe driving practices, especially in heavy traffic conditions. The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Motorists are advised to stay alert and drive cautiously, particularly in areas where traffic congestion is common. For further updates on traffic conditions, drivers can check local news sources or the California Highway Patrol's website.