A significant traffic collision occurred today on Interstate 8 East near the Imperial Highway Off-Ramp in Ocotillo, CA, involving two vehicles: a tractor with a trailer and a semi truck. The incident was reported around 3:03 PM when the semi truck experienced a tire blowout, resulting in a fire that damaged the vehicle.
Emergency services responded promptly, deploying multiple units to manage the scene and direct traffic. As a result of the collision, several lanes were closed, leading to significant delays and congestion for motorists. Traffic was backed up for several hours as crews worked to clear the debris and secure the area.
The tractor and trailer are scheduled for towing and removal from the roadway, while the semi truck, which was fully engulfed in flames, required additional resources for safe management. The fire was extinguished, but the incident caused noticeable damage to the road surface, prompting the Department of Transportation to assess the conditions.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays in the area. This traffic incident underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.