A Tesla Semi's battery caught fire on southbound Interstate 880 in Hayward Tuesday evening, Oct. 27, and closed the freeway. Officials warned the southbound closure could last into Wednesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
What happened
- The fire started around 5:45 p.m. in the southbound lanes just north of Highway 92, according to the California Highway Patrol. The truck's lithium-ion battery was burning.
- CHP shut I-880 in both directions "due to the potential risk of hazardous chemical smoke," Officer Rolando Guzman told the Chronicle.
- Northbound lanes reopened around 8:40 p.m.
- The driver escaped safely and no injuries were reported. No other vehicles were involved.
How long the southbound closure could last
CHP said the southbound lanes could stay closed for as long as 18 hours while crews put out the battery fire and made sure the truck was safe to move, the Chronicle reported. NBC Bay Area reported that southbound I-880 was closed between A Street and Highway 92 Tuesday night, with no estimated reopening time. Southbound traffic was being diverted at Winton Avenue.
Lithium-ion battery fires are hard to put out because damaged cells can keep generating heat and reignite, the Chronicle noted. The driver told officers the rig caught fire but did not know why. The cause is under investigation.
If you're driving Wednesday
Check 511.org or Caltrans QuickMap before heading south through Hayward. Allow extra time on I-880, Hesperian Boulevard and the approaches to the San Mateo Bridge (Highway 92). Officials advised using alternate routes while the closure stays in place.