Hazmat crash shuts down I-5 near Patterson. Big rig overturns
A solo-vehicle crash involving an overturned tanker truck prompted a hazardous materials response and shut down Interstate 5 in both directions near Patterson late Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported around 10 a.m. on northbound I-5 near Sperry Avenue, CHP spokesperson Officer Aaron Fay said. Authorities described it as a major-injury crash involving a tanker truck that overturned on the roadway.
Due to the hazmat situation, both directions of I-5 were fully closed in the area as of late morning, Fay said.
Officials have not yet confirmed what substance the tanker was carrying. Fay said it is believed to be a hazardous material, but it was not immediately known whether it was hydrogen, propane or another substance.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes, including nearby roadways such as state Route 33 and River Road.
Additional details, including the number of people injured and the cause of the crash, were not immediately available as the investigation remains ongoing.
