Haz Mat Scene On I-15 In Temecula Prompts Sig Alert

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Valley drivers experienced extra delays on the commute home Thursday afternoon after a crash blocked multiple lanes of I-15 traffic and prompted a haz mat situation, the CHP reports.

The crash was first reported at 3:27 p.m. along the northbound side of Interstate 15, near Temecula Parkway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP Officer Mike Lassig says a chain reaction crash involved three vehicles: a Toyota Camry, a Ford Ranger pick-up truck and a Hyundai Elantra sedan. All three vehicles were in the number three lane.

"The driver of the Elantra was not able to stop in time in heavy commute traffic, rear ending the Ranger which was in turn pushed into the Camry," he said. "The Ranger was carrying hydrochloric acid and chlorine tablets and the impact caused them to spill on the roadway."

The spill prompted officials to closed the two rightmost lanes of the freeway, Lassig said.

"Be prepared for a delay in your commute for an unknown duration," he said.

The Riverside County Fire Department has responded to the scene, along with their hazardous materials team.

Traffic reports indicated major delays in the area of the wreck. A sig alert was issued at 4:18 p.m. Though all lanes were back open by 6:30 p.m., traffic was still heavy in the area.