Burning big rig triggers 101 northbound backup in Marin
CBS SF- A big rig crash and fire forced the closure of all northbound lanes of Highway 101 early Friday near the Robin Williams tunnel in Sausalito, the California Highway Patrol said.
Authorities said the crash was reported around 8:38 a.m. during the height of the morning commute. A Goodwill truck driver lost control of his rig on northbound 101 just south of the Spencer Ave off-ramp. The truck careened off the freeway, through the guardrail, tumbling down the hillside and burst into flames.
The driver was able to escape by breaking a window with his fire extinguisher before his cab caught fire. Fortunately, firefighters from the Southern Marin Fire District were able to get the flames under control before it spread to nearby houses.
One person was injured in the crash and sent to a local hospital for treatment. The roadway was wet at the time from the morning rain, but there was no immediate word if the crash was weather related.
Northbound commuters were allowed across the Golden Gate Bridge, but were then be diverted onto to Alexander Ave. into Sausalito.
The CHP said one northbound lane had been reopened by 9:30 a.m, but there was no estimated time for re-opening of the other lanes.
As of 12:20 9.m., authorities were reporting that two right lanes remained closed as crews worked to clear the accident. Golden Gate Transit was reporting bus service delays of up to 70 minutes in the northbound direction due to the crash and fire.
