A crash and fire in a tractor-trailer carrying industrial lithium-ion batteries closed a major California highway for much of this past weekend.
The San Bernardino Fire Department reports the crash occurred on Interstate 15 at about 8 a.m. Friday, July 26 stalling traffic in the desert heat. It wasn't until early Sunday morning that the fire was extinguished and all lanes of the highway were opened.
Fire officials said they had limited options in dealing with the fire. They told KCAL-TV that water could not be used to douse the blaze. The batteries had to burn out on their own, according to a fire department spokesperson.
Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the heavily-traveled interstate, which connects Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Even alternate routes became quickly jammed with traffic, according to news reports.
Stranded motorists flooded 911 with calls complaining of heat-related problems. Ambulances were dispatched to deliver water and aid to motorists in need.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
