Motorists Stuck Between L.A. and Las Vegas as a ‘Hard Closure’ on I-15 Stifles Traffic
An overturned big rig and a resulting hazmat situation have left countless motorists stranded in the desert along the crucial interstate connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas. As the situation unfolds, concerns about food, water, and fuel are escalating among those caught in the gridlock.
Incident Overview
The chaos began early Friday morning when a big rig transporting lithium batteries overturned and caught fire near the Afton Road exit, just off the I-15 Freeway between Barstow and Baker. This major roadway, essential for travelers between Southern California and Las Vegas, quickly became a parking lot as the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District announced a hard closure on the northbound lanes.
By 9 p.m. Friday, the fire had been raging for 14 hours, with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reporting that while the flames were still active, air quality had improved enough to reopen one lane of I-15 by noon on Saturday.
Complications and Delays
The CHP later revised their earlier estimates regarding the fire's status. By 1:30 p.m. Saturday, scientists from Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties were en route to conduct hazmat testing, but it was expected to take at least three-and-a-half hours before testing could commence. Meanwhile, the southbound lanes of I-15 were initially closed at Basin Road but have since reopened, while the northbound lanes remain shut.
The fire's location posed significant challenges for emergency responders, as the distance to the nearest fire stations complicated response times. Motorists attempting to travel from Southern California to Las Vegas found themselves stuck in a massive traffic jam for hours.
Motorist Experiences
KTLA viewer Katryn Santore shared her experience, stating, “I’ve been on the road since yesterday. I left Los Angeles around 11 a.m. and was stuck on the 15 from about 2:30 p.m. to about 9:30 p.m.” Many travelers resorted to sleeping in their cars at gas stations overnight, highlighting the dire situation.
Santore, who had planned to arrive in Las Vegas for a work-related event, ended up staying at a hotel in Victorville. While she did not face fuel concerns, many vehicles on I-15 and I-40 were not as fortunate.
Recommendations and Future Updates
Officials have advised travelers to consider taking I-40 as an alternative route, although traffic build-up is still anticipated. The CHP has stated, “Emergency crews are currently on scene monitoring the hazmat release as well as air quality levels. Once hazmat personnel have deemed the area safe, reopening of the northbound lanes will be discussed, with the goal of opening all lanes as soon as possible. Avoid unnecessary travel.”
As of 9:30 p.m. Friday, the CHP confirmed that emergency personnel and hazardous materials specialists were actively monitoring the situation, with the closure expected to remain in place for an undetermined period. The hazardous material situation had not stabilized, preventing any movement of the wreckage.
As the situation develops, motorists are urged to stay informed and exercise caution while traveling in the area.