BAKERSFIELD, CA-Two big rigs collided Sunday night on northbound Highway 99 near Panama lane. Only three lanes are open as of Monday morning.
The semis tangled just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Officers said the lead big rig started having mechanical problems and tried to pull over. That's when the rig right behind it hauling beer slammed into it and burst into flames.
The beer spilled all over the roadway leaving a big mess to clean up. The lead big rig that was rear-ended was hauling tires. The driver of that rig was uninjured.
There were two people in the rear rig. The driver was transported to the hospital just as a precaution. The passenger complained of minor pain.
All lanes were shut down for about 45 minutes until the fire department was able to contain the flames.
Another accident almost happened near the same area this morning when a completely unrelated driver was driving through the accident area and almost slammed into a sheriff's cruiser.
"We had the road closure set up and this individual drove into the cone pattern," said California Highway Patrol Sergeant Brian Avery. "We're fortunate enough to the have the sheriff's department here helping with traffic control and the individual that's suspected of being under the influence of alcohol almost collided with a sheriff's vehicle."
Fortunately there was no collision. The suspected intoxicated driver was pulled over for a field sobriety test.
CHP officials expect the other two lanes to reopen later Monday morning.
The semis tangled just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Officers said the lead big rig started having mechanical problems and tried to pull over. That's when the rig right behind it hauling beer slammed into it and burst into flames.
The beer spilled all over the roadway leaving a big mess to clean up. The lead big rig that was rear-ended was hauling tires. The driver of that rig was uninjured.
There were two people in the rear rig. The driver was transported to the hospital just as a precaution. The passenger complained of minor pain.
All lanes were shut down for about 45 minutes until the fire department was able to contain the flames.
Another accident almost happened near the same area this morning when a completely unrelated driver was driving through the accident area and almost slammed into a sheriff's cruiser.
"We had the road closure set up and this individual drove into the cone pattern," said California Highway Patrol Sergeant Brian Avery. "We're fortunate enough to the have the sheriff's department here helping with traffic control and the individual that's suspected of being under the influence of alcohol almost collided with a sheriff's vehicle."
Fortunately there was no collision. The suspected intoxicated driver was pulled over for a field sobriety test.
CHP officials expect the other two lanes to reopen later Monday morning.