Flaming Overturned Big Rig Spills Ramen Noodles onto Freeway

LA PUENTE, CA -- A big rig hauling a load of ramen noodles flipped onto its side and caught fire on a freeway in La Puente Thursday, blocking lanes and causing a huge traffic backup, but injuring no one, authorities said.

The semitrailer crashed about 7:45 p.m. on the northbound San Gabriel River (605) Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Firefighters responded and had the flames extinguished by 8:06 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The driver got out safely and no one else was injured, a dispatcher said.

The crash prompted closure of all northbound lanes. One lane was re- opened about 45 minutes later, but at 9:30 p.m., northbound traffic was backed up to Beverly Boulevard.

Traffic also was backed up on the eastbound Pomona (60) Freeway from San Gabriel Boulevard to the transition road to the northbound San Gabriel River Freeway, which was closed.

City News Service