Traffic was delayed for hours in both directions of Interstate 5 in San Diego after a crash involving a semi-tractor trailer and two vehicles near Mission Hills caused a fuel spill and left the truck hanging off the center divider, authorities said.
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The crash was reported around 9:45 a.m. in the northbound lanes just north of Washington Street, according to the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans. All lanes were back open by around 6:30 p.m. once crews cleaned up the fuel spill.
The crash left the truck “hanging off” the center divide into the southbound side of the freeway and left debris strewn across the lanes, the CHP said. It also sparked a fire involving the semi-truck, the CHP said.
Three people were taken to hospitals to be treated. The extent of their injuries was not known, said CHP spokesperson Officer Michael Meza.
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Initially, all southbound traffic was diverted off at Sassafras Street, the CHP said.
Traffic remained congested in the area for hours, with the backup for northbound I-5 starting around state Route 163.
The crash caused damage to the center divider railing, which Caltrans will repair. The truck driver’s company is responsible for the hazmat cleanup caused by the fuel spill, the CHP said.
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