I-15 North Reopens After FedEx Truck Crash Snarls Rush Hour Traffic

A FedEx tractor-trailer jackknifed on northbound Interstate 15 at Duenda Road around 3 p.m. today, initially blocking all but one lane and spilling 100 gallons of diesel fuel, officials said. Two passenger vehicles were also involved in the crash, including a silver station wagon.

I-15 North completely reopened just after 6 p.m.

One person was transported by ambulance to Sharp Memorial Hospital, said Reema Makani, spokeswoman for San Diego Medical Services which provides ambulance service for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. California Highway Patrol and fire department officials originally said that no one was injured and had no reports of anyone being transported, but later said one person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the silver station wagon, a 21-year-old man from Ramona, according to his brother, sat in the grass on the side of the freeway as officials worked on the scene. He nodded when asked if he was OK.

Officials had originally estimated that 250 gallons of diesel fuel had spilled but later reduced that figure. Firefighters from Station No. 33 in Rancho Bernardo arrived quickly enough to prevent the fuel from going into the storm drain, Capt. Justus Norgord said from the scene.

The FedEx truck was towed to the side of the freeway, freeing up a second lane as the cleanup continued. Sand was being spread on the spilled fuel. A hazardous materials team also was on scene.

Bart Franco, 23, said he was in a house a few blocks from the crash site when he heard tires squealing and a crash just before 3 p.m. He and his brother-in-law ran from the house down to the scene and saw a passenger truck near the center divide, several yards north of a silver station wagon whose front end was smashed in, Franco said.

Dozens of people crowded on the overpass looking down onto the scene.