A big rig hauling unknown chemicals caught fire east of Coachella Friday, prompting a temporary full closure of the 10 Freeway in both directions and leaving the driver with minor injuries.
Around 7:30 a.m. Friday, a tanker truck hauling hazardous chemicals exploded near Red Cloud Mine Road east of Chiriaco Summit, according to the California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Fire Department.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
Arriving fire crews found the truck fully involved in flames, with explosions continuing to occur, according to fire officials. All lanes of the 10 Freeway were closed in both directions as crews battled the flames and summoned a hazardous materials team.
By 10:45 a.m., the eastbound lanes of the freeway were reopened, but all westbound traffic remained blocked.
Fire officials said the truck's driver was evaluated at the scene for minor injuries and taken to a hospital to be checked out.
It remained unclear what caused the fire and what the truck was hauling.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok