Big Rig Cab Dangles Off I-80 Bridge Near Truckee: Driver Critically Injured in Fiery Crash

A terrifying scene unfolded Friday morning on eastbound Interstate 80 near Floriston, California, when a solo big rig crashed through a bridge railing and left the cab dangling over the edge. The crash happened around 10:45 a.m. in Nevada County, and the California Highway Patrol confirmed the driver was ejected from the cab, hitting the embankment below and sustaining major injuries. The driver was transported to a regional trauma center for treatment.

The crash forced a full closure of eastbound I-80 for several hours, with traffic being held at Hirschdale and Overland Trail. One lane was finally reopened around 4 p.m., but the delays stretched for miles as crews worked to remove the truck and secure the bridge. Weather in the Sierra that day included showers and isolated thunderstorms, which may have contributed to the loss of control, though the exact cause is still under investigation.

This stretch of I-80 is a vital artery connecting California and Nevada, carrying commuters, travelers, and commercial truckers daily. Accidents like this one highlight the risks of mountain driving, especially when conditions change quickly. For now, our thoughts are with the driver and their family. Have you ever been caught in a major mountain highway closure? Share your experience in the comments.