SigAlert: Truck Fire Causes Explosion and Chemical Spill, Shutting Down 405

CHP officials are in the process of reopening the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway at Harbor Boulevard after a commercial truck carrying hazardous materials caught fire, causing an explosion that spilled hazardous chemicals across the freeway.

The accident occurred just after 9:40 a.m. and closed all lanes of the freeway, backing up traffic for miles, said CHP Officer Denise Quesada.

“The truck was on fIre and was carrying a container of freon,” said Quesada. “Due to the fire, the container burst and spilled Freon all over the freeway, so we had to shut down most lanes.”

As of 11:30, crews began the process of reopening the freeway, but the number 5 lane will remain closed, added Quesada.