Eastbound 10 Freeway Gridlocked After Big Rig Goes Over Guardrail in Baldwin Park

Well, what a nightmare morning it turned out to be for countless commuters heading eastbound on the 10 Freeway. Just as folks were getting their day started, trying to make their way to work or school, the freeway in Baldwin Park basically slammed shut. We’re talking a complete stoppage, all lanes blocked, and traffic backed up for miles upon miles. It all kicked off with a pretty serious crash involving, of all things, a big rig.

The incident, which happened a little before 5:30 AM – right when the morning rush really starts to build – unfolded near the Baldwin Park Boulevard exit. From what we've gathered, this massive big rig somehow veered off course, crashed through the guardrail, and then, to make matters even worse, smashed right into a light pole. You can just imagine the scene: twisted metal, debris scattered everywhere, and then the tell-tale sheen of spilled diesel fuel. Oh, joy.

Beyond the big rig, it looks like a couple of other vehicles, possibly an SUV and a sedan, were caught up in the melee too. Thankfully, and this is a huge relief considering the chaos, authorities are reporting that there weren't any serious injuries. It’s a miracle, honestly, given how bad these big rig accidents can often be. But while physical injuries might be minimal, the mental anguish of being stuck in that traffic? Well, that's another story entirely.

Naturally, with diesel fuel gushing onto the freeway, hazmat crews were quickly called to the scene. You can't just leave that sitting there, right? The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the local fire department have been working tirelessly since the early hours, trying to manage the situation, clear the wreckage, and get that fuel contained. It's a massive undertaking, requiring specialized equipment and a lot of patience.

As you might expect, this isn't a quick fix. Officials warned early on that the eastbound lanes of the 10 Freeway would likely remain closed for several hours. And indeed, the closure has stretched well into the morning, causing absolute havoc for anyone trying to navigate that part of Southern California. If you had to be out there this morning, trying to get to your destination, our hearts truly go out to you. What a challenging start to the day for so many drivers.