A major collision on westbound Interstate 80 near Drum Forebay Road in Placer County brought traffic to a standstill on Monday afternoon. The crash, which occurred around 1:50 p.m., involved twelve vehicles, including two big rigs. One of the trucks went off the roadway and down an embankment, triggering a significant diesel spill that required hazmat teams to respond. Two people sustained major injuries in the collision, while several others were treated for minor injuries. The incident forced CHP to completely close the westbound lanes from the Nyack area for several hours.
The closure lasted well into the evening as emergency responders worked to manage the hazmat cleanup and recover disabled vehicles from the scene. By 8 p.m., crews had reopened one lane to allow traffic to resume, though the second lane remained closed through the night for continued cleanup operations and vehicle recovery. Caltrans and CHP worked together to manage the backup, which extended for miles along one of Northern California’s busiest highways. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the crash, examining factors like mechanical failure, driver error, and road conditions.
For anyone who commutes on I-80 between the Bay Area and Sacramento, this crash is a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on a major corridor. If you were affected by the delays, CHP wants to hear from you. Do you have any information about what happened before the collision, or have you noticed safety concerns on this stretch of highway that you think should be addressed?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
