Drivers stuck between L.A. and Las Vegas as I-15 closure stifles traffic

An overturned big rig and resulting hazmat situation left motorists stranded in the desert just off the crucial interstate between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and as the situation progresses, concerns about food, water and fuel are increasing.

The problem started early Friday morning when a big rig carrying lithium batteries overturned and caught fire. The crash and resulting fire happened near the Afton Road exit just off the 15 Freeway between Barstow and Baker. I-15, which is the major roadway that connects L.A. and Las Vegas, had been at a virtual standstill for hours.

KTLA's Sara Welch reports on July 27, 2024.

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[YA-qjfx]

NEVER drive through desert without food and water and full tank.

[mikeshotrodshop]

Shutting the roadway down did more damage than the fire.

[lindapindabelinda]

As a resident of the desert in that vicinity, we don’t go anywhere in the car without at least 5 gallons of water per person, food, and a full tank of gas.

[bkstroh]

but we all should drive around with huge lithium batteries in our cars...

[philn]

It will save a lot of Californians money this weekend because they can't get to the Las Vegas casinos.

[pronexbeast]

Bro rolls over off the road and whole road is closed 🤦‍♂️ cant direct traffic for 100ft through the desert off/next to the side of the road ?😅

[JL-rdgn]

but lithium batteries are supposed to be green

[GerardoLopez-xuft]

My daughter almost had a heat stroke, old people were picked up in ambulances ! What a banana Republic ! We need real leaders in California

[Oksure]

So they couldn’t turn one lane on southbound to northbound like they do during construction?
Smh good job

[pattioyler]

My niece got stuck in that and was able to get a room in Barstow

[Caligirl]

Who said driving EV is better for the environment?

[robbiemarcum]

Obviously this green energy is a dangerous idea.

[Pazuzu-]

This is unbelievable. We need to build a secondary backup road between Los Angeles and Las Vegas in case of emergency.

[VaxxedStories]

Oh, come on, what's a little chlorine gas? Just tell people to keep their windows rolled up as they drive by.

[calamityjade]

Lithium batteries are the same batteries they use in most EVs. They ignite easily once damaged and then leak hazardous chemicals into the air for hours and are very difficult fires to put out.

[jamespilbeam]

Yay! Those safe battery chemicals in transit!
Great precautionary planning by the manufacturer!!
Also, by the transport company!😂

[nomorebsforme]

A reminder NOT to consider electric Cars as a realistic solution.

[phoenixvette]

KTLA will find ANY reason to say Rancho Cucamonga

[edcristales]

Are we supposed to expect electric cars to catch fire after an accident?

[stacyconnors]

I feel bad the guy just doing his job this is how he makes a living and this happens...i hope hes alright his boss is understanding of situation.
Truck drivers work hard. They bring our food, items, dangerous gasses too. ...thats things tat we need... without the drivers we hve shortages.
Be kind, courteous, instead of rude cutting them off on the road & be thankful for their hard work.