Tractor-Trailer Hauling Batteries Explodes In Flame, Driver Airlfited

OASIS, CA — A tractor-trailer hauling batteries crashed into a bridge guard rail in Coachella Valley Friday morning, emergency officials said. One person was airlifted with serious injuries. The northbound Highway 86 lanes were closed during the incident, which was complicated by the cleanup of the truck's cargo, according to Cal Fire.

Shortly before 4 a.m., a tractor-trailer heading northbound on Highway 86 at Avenue 81 in Oasis collided with a bridge guardrail and caught fire, a Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson said.

The trailer slid 30 feet down a wash, and the truck's cab was "gone," due to the fire, CHP officers at the scene said.

According to Cal Fire, the truck was hauling batteries in its cargo, and Riverside County Environmental Health was called to the scene to assess and manage the clean-up needs.

The truck driver was taken by air ambulance to a trauma center at Desert Regional with significant injuries, according to a Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson.

CHP began to open lanes to traffic, which was moving slowly through the area by 9 a.m.

TRAFFIC COLLISION - rpt @ 3:55AM. Northbound Highway 86 Expwy / Ave. 81, Oasis. Firefighters are on-scene of a tractor-trailer that collided with the guardrail and caught fire. The truck contains batteries and firefighters continue to work on containing the fire. Rivco… pic.twitter.com/Wzm2YbQuud