BAKERSFIELD, CA - It was a rough day on local roads and highways with several semi crashes throughout Friday morning.
The biggest mess happened over Highway 99, which shut it down for several hours in both directions as a semi dangled from the 58 overpass.
Dramatic cell phone video sent to the 17 newsroom, showed flames bursting from a semi, partially dangling from the 58 overpass at southbound 99.
CHP officers say the driver of the semi lost control and slammed into the cement barrier, causing two other cars to crash.
"The driver was driving way too fast for roadway conditions. It was raining at the time. Luckily, the big rig was empty at the time it crashed and the driver was not injured," said Robert Rodriguez, California Highway Patrol.
The CHP says with the cab engulfed in flames, safety for traffic below was a major concern.
"We did have to close the entire southbound and northbound lanes of Highway 99 due to debris falling onto the roadway," said Rodriguez.
With both directions of the 99 closed, traffic was at a standstill for about four hours.
"Oh my goodness, I've been here since 8:40 this morning in this mess. I'm coming from Visalia heading to San Diego, and this is a mess," said driver Linda McCuin.
Highway 99 and the 58 Interchange reopened around 1:30 Friday afternoon after a crane carefully removed the cab from the overpass.
CHP officers say the process wasn't easy and they had to plan every move precisely.
Officers say since the crash was weather-related, they urge everyone to slow down while driving in the rain.
Before opening the 58 overpass, Caltrans workers had to make sure the interchange was structurally sound.