(UPDATE 2:19 p.m.) Eastbound Highway 58, between Weedpatch Highway and Fairfax Road, now has lanes open following a closure due to hazardous materials in the road.
According to Caltrans District 6, the number 3 lane is still closed for cleanup. All Westbound lanes we reopened just before 1 p.m.
BAKERSFIELD, Update: Eastbound 58 is now open with the #3 (right) lane remaining closed for remaining clean-up.
— Caltrans District 6 (@CaltransDist6) April 27, 2020
The California Highway Patrol said around 9:15 a.m. Monday, officers were dispatched for a report of a truck fire and smoke emitting from inside a trailer. The driver of the big rig noticed smoke coming from the trailer and immediately pulled over to the right shoulder and detached his truck from the trailer and called 911.
The trailer was loaded with 31,000 pounds of lithium ion polymer batteries that were packaged in 55 gallon steel drum containers. Due to the smoke and potential life threatening hazards posed to the public.
The businesses and residences south of the scene within a half mile radius were temporarily evacuated for their safety.
Highway 58, between Weedpatch Highway and Fairfax Road, has been shut down in both directions due to a hazardous materials on the road.
The California Highway Patrol said just after 9 a.m. Monday a big rig caught fire. The big rig was hauling hazardous materials.
SR58 is closed in both directions at SR184 due to a hazmat situation on SR184 for an unknown direction. #trafficalert #roadclosure pic.twitter.com/mZNYZuLcNA
— CHP Bakersfield (@BakersfieldChp) April 27, 2020
It's not known what the hazardous materials are.
It's not known if anyone was injured.
It's not known how long the stretch of the highway will be closed.
