A Tesla Semi truck fire on Interstate 880 in Hayward shut down southbound lanes Tuesday evening, creating a traffic nightmare for drivers that officials warn could extend late into the night.
Crews remain on the scene along I-880 near Winton Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver escaped safely, but the cause of the fire remains unknown.
The incident began just before 6:30 p.m., when firefighters responded to extinguish the flames engulfing the electric semi-truck.
Drone video from the scene captured massive traffic backups in both directions that persisted for a few hours. Authorities temporarily closed lanes in both directions out of concern over potentially hazardous smoke from the vehicle fire. Northbound lanes have since reopened.
However, southbound I-880 remains closed between “A” Street and Highway 92. CHP officials stated that removing the Tesla Semi could take some time, and as of Tuesday night, there is no estimated time for the freeway to fully reopen.
Commuters are advised to avoid the area and expect major delays.
