The Associated Press
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Traffic is moving again in all lanes of Interstate 15 in Riverside County at the scene of a massive tanker blaze that damaged the pavement and caused delays.
Officials reopened the remaining southbound lanes shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday, just in time for the morning commute. Just one southbound lane was open overnight.
The California Highway Patrol says the blaze was sparked Tuesday when a tire blew on the big-rig tanker. The driver pulled to the shoulder and managed to escape as the flames spread to the trailer’s tanks - which contained 8,700 gallons of 87-octane fuel.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters let the blaze burn itself out as black smoke choked the freeway, which was briefly shut in both directions. Northbound lanes reopened after a half-hour.