PLACER COUNTY: Semi-Trucks Crash on Interstate 80, Drum Forebay Road
12-Vehicle Pileup Crash on I-80 Freeway, Near Blue Canyon
BLUE CANYON, Calif. — A major-injury crash involving two semi-trucks and ten other vehicles in Placer County caused a lengthy closure of westbound Interstate 80 near Blue Canyon on Monday afternoon, according to California Highway Patrol incident information.
The crash was reported on July 20th around 1:51 p.m. on westbound Interstate 80 near the Drum Forebay Road off-ramp, east of Blue Canyon.
Huge Pileup Collision on Interstate 80, Drum Forebay Road
Initial reports indicated that a semi-truck collided with multiple vehicles before leaving the roadway and going down an embankment. CHP later reported that the crash involved approximately 12 vehicles.
At least six vehicles sustained major damage in the chain-reaction collision, according to CHP radio traffic. The semi-truck reportedly went off the roadway, and the cab was described as having been completely ripped off.
The crash also sparked a fire. Reports indicated that the semi-truck’s wheels caught fire, with flames visible at the scene. CAL FIRE responded, and multiple injured people were reported.
Passing motorists were reportedly assisting several people at the scene, with early reports indicating that four to five people suffered minor injuries and two others sustained major injuries.
All westbound lanes were initially blocked, prompting a hard closure of the freeway. Traffic was diverted toward Blue Canyon, and passenger vehicles were later being turned around near Blue Canyon while semi-trucks remained stuck in traffic.
The crash caused significant traffic delays and a long-term closure, with no estimated time of reopening initially available. The westbound roadway was later reported open, though traffic impacts continued in the area.
The circumstances leading to the crash remained under investigation. Further information about the injured victims was not immediately available.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
