Some Lanes Reopen After Fiery Big Rig Collision on 10 Freeway in Colton Forced Full Closure

Some lanes were reopened late Tuesday night after a fiery multivehicle collision involving a big rig shut down the 10 Freeway in Colton, Caltrans said in a tweet. Authorities responded to the scene on the westbound 10 Freeway just west of La Cadena Drive around 7:40 p.m., according to California Highway Patrol incident logs. Though the interstate was fully blocked for about two hours, by 9:45 p.m. the number 2, 3 and 4 lanes had reopened on the eastbound side, and the number 4 lane reopened on the westbound side. Video footage showed a big rig turned over onto its side and completely engulfed in flames. At least one other vehicle was on fire. CHP investigators remained on scene late Tuesday night, and officials could not confirm whether there were any injuries. Witnesses driving westbound on the freeway described hearing a “big explosion” and seeing debris flying off and hitting their cars. About 200 to 300 feet of the guard rail along the highway were destroyed, and parts of the bridge were “compromised,” according to incident logs. Aerial footage from Sky5 showed a big rig, charred black from the flames, laying on the highway’s railing guard. The fire was out at around 8:45 p.m., the aerial footage showed. The cause of the collision was not immediately available. It is unclear if the wet weather conditions contributed to the incident. All lanes were closed in both directions for an unknown duration. The Rancho Avenue on-ramp was also closed, according to authorities.