101 Freeway near Hollywood Reopens After Big Rig Fire

Diesel fuel spilled during the fire and leaked into nearby drains

A flaming semitrailer that caught fire on the northbound 101 Freeway near the Hollywood Hills and leaked diesel fuel into nearby drains briefly snarled traffic during Wednesday morning rush hour on the Cahuenga Pass.

The big rig caught fire at the Pilgrimage Bridge between Cahuenga Boulevard East and Cahuenga Boulevard West about 1 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

All northbound lanes reopened by 6:40 a.m., but the Highland Avenue/Cahuenga East onramp remained closed.

A hazmat team was called to the wreck after 15 gallons of diesel fuel leaked into drains, officials said.

Earlier reports from CHP indicated that 215 gallons of fuel spilled onto the roadway, but officials later said only the 15 gallons of diesel fuel spilled, and 200 gallons of water were used to clean up the spill.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

More Southern California Stories:

Contact Us