Overview
- The collision occurred around 3:30 a.m. and quickly ignited both tractor‑trailers, with one vehicle carrying lumber that fed the fire and heavy smoke.
- Fire crews shut the northbound inner roadway just north of Interchange 12 and worked for hours to extinguish the blaze while traffic was diverted to the outer roadway.
- Traffic near the scene was at a near standstill for more than three and a half hours, with backups extending back toward Interchange 11 and widespread commuter delays.
- Authorities have not released information about injuries and have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash and subsequent fire.
- Rubbernecking and a separate nearby crash added to congestion, and commuters were urged to seek alternate routes while crews finish clearing the scene.