A big rig loaded with hot dogs caught fire today on State Route 60 in Beaumont, spilling more than 50 gallons of fuel and closing
part of the freeway, authorities said.
The blaze was reported about 1 a.m. on westbound Route 60, a mile east of Gilman Springs Road, California Highway Patrol Officer Darren Meyer said.
“The fire engulfed the entire truck and trailer, causing the diesel fuel tanks to rupture,” Meyer said. “Fuel was subsequently spilled, resulting
in a hazardous materials situation.”
The driver pulled the rig toward the right shoulder and escaped without injury, Meyer said.
Firefighters let the fuel burn off to lessen runoff into the nearby canyon, and haz-mat teams were sent to deal with the fuel leak, Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Cheri Patterson said.
The No. 2 lane of westbound Route 60 was expected to be closed until at least 10 a.m., according to Caltrans. The CHP estimated closure until about noon.
Motorists were advised to use Interstate 10 as a detour to avoid delays, Caltrans spokeswoman Terri Kasinga said.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
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