A serious traffic incident involving a big rig occurred today in Glendale, CA, when the vehicle came off the freeway and landed in a park and ride area at the intersection of Lowell Avenue Off-Ramp and Honolulu Avenue. The accident took place late last night, around 11:02 PM, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
The driver of the big rig was trapped inside the cab, leading to the dispatch of the Glendale Fire Department and other emergency units to the scene. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries to the driver or any other individuals involved. However, the situation escalated due to a diesel fuel spill, which required the attention of a hazardous materials team for cleanup efforts.
Witnesses reported that the big rig was smoking upon coming off the freeway, raising concerns about the safety of the driver and the surrounding area. Emergency responders worked diligently to free the driver, while a heavy-duty tow truck was called to assist in removing the disabled vehicle. The big rig was dislodged from its position but was confirmed to be non-drivable, with the trailer disconnected from the chassis.
Cleanup efforts continued into the early morning hours, with the California Highway Patrol notifying local health authorities regarding the hazardous materials spill. Approximately 20 gallons of diesel fuel were reported to have leaked from the vehicle, prompting a thorough cleanup to ensure public safety.
Traffic in the vicinity was impacted as emergency crews managed the situation. The intersection of Lowell Avenue and Honolulu Avenue was temporarily closed to facilitate the response and cleanup operations.
As of now, the scene is being monitored by the California Highway Patrol and local fire department personnel, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with large vehicles on the road and the importance of a swift emergency response.