A car entering southbound I-880 in Oakland, California, cut off a tanker truck and caused the driver to lose control at about 6:15 am this morning. The tanker, carrying hundreds of gallons of fuel, rolled over and began leaking fuel, which then ignited. Police report the driver and three others in another vehicle were able to escape without injuries.

The tanker was fully involved before firefighters were able to put the flames out. The fire became so intense that asphalt on the highway began to melt. As a result, the southbound lanes of I-880 will be closed until sometime Thursday. Although only the surface of the highway was damaged, construction crews will grind down the concrete and add temporary asphalt.

The tanker was carrying an estimated 8,600 gallons of fuel when the accident occurred. The Coast Guard is investigating whether any of the fuel spilled into the Oakland-Alameda Estuary. Storm drains near the accident were sealed off as a precaution.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in your area.