A car hauler transporting multiple vehicles caught fire New Year’s Eve on eastbound Interstate 10 near Whitewater, causing major disruptions as one lane has been reopened following a freeway closure. Another full shutdown is expected to recover the burned truck and vehicles.
The fire was reported about 4:54 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 near the Whitewater Canyon overcrossing near exit 114, according to the California Highway Patrol’s incident log.
The semi-truck stopped beneath the bridge after vehicles on the trailer caught fire, with flames spreading across the car hauler, sending smoke and flames into the area, preliminary information from the incident log noted.
All eastbound lanes of the I-10 were initially shut down, and the Whitewater cutoff bridge CHP remains closed in both directions, along with the eastbound Whitewater on-ramp.
CHP logs show crews are also assessing possible damage to the bridge structure. Rain and low visibility were reported at the scene as crews responded.
It’s unclear whether anyone was injured or what caused the fire.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.

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