(This story was updated with new information.)
A big rig fire shut down all of Interstate 10 for hours east of the Coachella Valley on Monday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. May 11 on I-10, west of Cottonwood Springs Road. By 3:18 p.m., the CHP had closed both westbound and eastbound lanes on a large stretch of the I-10 “due to the potential hazardous material on board,” said Officer David Torres, a CHP spokesperson.
The type of hazardous material was not immediately known, he said late Monday afternoon. No injuries to the driver of the big rig were reported.
Eastbound traffic was being moved at Frontage Road, at exit 159, where drivers were being turned around westbound. Westbound traffic was being diverted onto Box Canyon Road, at exit 168, then to State Route 86.
As of just before 5 p.m., CHP had not provided an estimated reopening time.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Big rig fire shuts down all of I-10 east of Coachella Valley
Reporting by Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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