Northbound I-5 Closures for Multiple Fatality Accident

(UPDATE) FRAZIER PARK, CALIF. (Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.)–According to CHP, there is still only one northbound lane open through the accident site north of Hwy. 43.

(UPDATE) FRAZIER PARK, CALIF. (Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 at 10:27 a.m.)–CHP’s report follows: On November 5 at approximately 10:13 p.m., [big rig #1] was traveling southbound on I-5 at an undetermined speed, north of Stockdale Highway. [Big rig #2] was traveling northbound on I-5 in the #1 (fast) lane at an undetermined speed, north of Stockdale Highway. [Big rig #3] was traveling northbound on I-5 in the #2 (slow) lane at an undetermined speed, north of Stockdale Highway. For an unknown reason, the driver of [Big rig #1] allowed the vehicle to veer into the dirt center divider and into the northbound lanes, directly into the path of [big rig #2] and [big rig #3] where the fronts of [big rig #2] and [big rig #3] collided with the right side of [big rig #1]. The collision caused all vehicles to become engulfed in flames. The drivers of all three vehicles suffered fatal injuries.

FRAZIER PARK, CALIF. (Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 at 9:15 a.m.)–All lanes open to northbound 1-5 traffic at the Hwy. 99 split. At northbound I-5 and Stockdale Hwy., the #1 lane is now open while the #2 lane remains closed for investigation.

Motorists can exit I-5 at Hwy. 166 and go west to Hwy. 33 then go north along Hwy. 33, parallel to Interstate 5.

FRAZIER PARK, CALIF. (Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 at 7:39 a.m.)–Multiple fatalities were reported when a southbound big rig truck crossed the Interstate 5 median around 10 p.m. Monday night near Stockdale Highway and collided with two northbound big rigs, resulting in a fire and the fatalities, according to CHP reports. Interstate 5 northbound lanes are completely closed at Highway 99. No estimated time has been given for a reopening of the northbound freeway lanes.

Traffic is being detoured to northbound Highway 99, then onto westbound Highway 46, back to Interstate 5.

Northbound travelers may also want to consider taking Frazier Mountain Park Road west 12 miles, then onto Mil Potrero Highway, through Pine Mountain Club and another 25 miles to Highway 33, then north along Hwy. 33 which runs parallel to Interstate 5 well beyond the accident site.

 

This is part of the November 02, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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