JURUPA VALLEY, CA — A tractor-trailer was significantly damaged Wednesday after catching fire on the Pomona (60) Freeway in Jurupa Valley, where multiple lanes were shut down while firefighters worked to knock down the blaze.
The non-injury fire was reported shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday on the westbound 60, just east of Valley Way, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The agency said the big rig stalled in the No. 3 lane, with the trucker apparently unable to get completely over to the shoulder before flames erupted in the engine compartment.
Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the scene just after 10 a.m. to discover the entire cab of the semi was in flames, according to reports from the scene.
The trucker, whose identity was not disclosed, was standing a safe distance away on the shoulder. He was unscathed.
CHP officers shut down all but the HOV lane, into which drivers were squeezed to get around the burning rig. A SigAlert was issued because of the ensuing traffic jam.
The blaze was completely extinguished by 10:35 a.m., according to the fire department.
The lane closures were expected to be gradually lifted and the westbound 60 fully reopened by noon.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
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