TANKER CARRYING 8,700 GALLONS OF FUEL CATCHES FIRE ON 15 FREEWAY IN LAKE ELSINORE
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (KABC) --
A gas tanker caught fire on the southbound 15 Freeway in Lake Elsinore, spewing thick black smoke and backing up traffic for miles on Tuesday.The fire was reported shortly after 1 p.m. north of Nichols Road. Officials said the tanker was carrying 8,700 gallons of fuel when it caught fire.
Fortunately, the driver was able to escape without injury.
The California Highway Patrol initially shut down both directions of the freeway as crews attempted to get the fire under control. The northbound lanes were reopened, but traffic remained sluggish. Nearby motorists were advised to exit the freeway.
