California Highway Patrol (CHP) announcements or official news releases

Thousands Stranded on I-15 and I-40 Near Barstow for Over 24 Hours Due to Truck Fire and Triple-Digit Heat

Jul 27, 2024, 08:01 PM

Thousands of commuters are stranded on Interstate 15 and Interstate 40 near Barstow, California, due to a truck fire involving toxic chemicals. The incident has caused a massive traffic jam, with some vehicles stuck for over 24 hours. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that many people are running out of gas and water, and temperatures have reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Calls for a State of Emergency have been made to Governor Gavin Newsom to expedite the cleanup and provide relief to those affected. The situation is being described as a 'traffic apocalypse' and a 'crisis situation.' Efforts are underway to clear the highways and assist stranded motorists. The closure began on Friday AM, and many travelers have been diverted to I-40, which has also seen no movement.