UPDATE: Dozens Leave Caldecott Tunnel on Foot After Car Fire

Update at 9:15 a.m.:

Authorities expect to reopen a bore of the Caldecott Tunnel by 11 a.m. today after a car caught fire there earlier this morning, prompting dozens of people to flee from their vehicles on foot, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was first reported at 6:43 a.m. in the far right eastbound bore and one vehicle was reported on fire. Dozens of motorists got out of their cars and walked out of the tunnel to escape the smoke inside there, CHP officials said.

Fire crews responded and extinguished the car fire shortly after 7:30 a.m., according to the CHP. All motorists have since been able to go back into the tunnel and retrieve their vehicles. Only emergency vehicles and Caltrans crews remained inside to inspect the bore as of 8:30 a.m., CHP Officer Ron Simmons said.

No injuries were reported in the incident. The Caldecott Tunnel connects Oakland to Orinda on state Highway 24.

Original story:

Dozens of people fled on foot from an eastbound bore of the Caldecott Tunnel after a car became engulfed in flames there following a crash this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was first reported at 6:43 a.m. in the far right eastbound bore and one vehicle was reported on fire.

Dozens of motorists got out of their cars and walked out of the tunnel to escape the smoke inside there, CHP Officer Kevin Bartlett said. Fire crews responded and extinguished the car fire shortly after 7:30 a.m., Bartlett said. There was no estimate immediately available for when authorities will reopen the tunnel bore, which connects Oakland to Orinda on state Highway 24, Bartlett said.

No injuries have been reported in the incident, he said.

By Bay City News

Photo via CHP Oakland Twitter

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