Big Rig Crash In Walnut Creek Closes Northbound Highway 680 For Hours

A big rig crash caused a major traffic nightmare for drivers on I-680 in Walnut Creek this morning. The crash sent concrete debris cascading into lanes, causing more traffic collisions in both directions.

“The vehicle was fully engulfed and visible from both sides of the freeway. As I approached I saw it from at least a mile away,” said CHP Sgt. Joe Johnson.

Investigators at this point think the truck suffered a blow out from a tire on the left hand side and that set off an incredible chain of events.

“That caused him to swerve to the left to the center divider. This vehicle became engulfed in fire because it rolled up on the rail and then he merged to the right side of the freeway,” said Sgt. Johnson.

When the driver hit the center divider it crumbled, spewing concrete onto the southbound side of the interstate. Ten cars trying to avoid the debris crashed. Some drivers complained of pain, but no major injuries were reported.

Drivers in both directions were then stuck for hours with no movement and nowhere to go. It was especially stressful for people trying to get to work.

“Our ER is full right now and nurses that have worked 12 hours on the night shift need to get home and get to sleep so they can rest and go back tonight,” said ER nurse Cindy Lester.