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HAYWARD – A Tesla Semi burst into flames Tuesday on Interstate 880 in Hayward, triggering a closure of all southbound lanes that could extend well into Wednesday, authorities said.
The incident unfolded around 5:45 p.m. just north of Highway 92, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Rolando Guzman. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Guzman said the CHP closed I-880 in both directions “due to the potential risk of hazardous chemical smoke.”
Northbound lanes reopened around 8:40 p.m., but southbound lanes could remain closed for 18 hours, or until the fire consuming the Tesla’s lithium ion battery cells is fully extinguished, according to Guzman.
As of 9 p.m., the California Department of Transportation was en route to conduct a hard closure, Guzman said. Traffic is being diverted off the freeway at Winton Avenue.
In a social media post, the CHP warned drivers to “expect extreme delays and use alternative routes if possible.”
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
A similar fire happened in 2024 when a Tesla Semi crashed on Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap, about 70 miles northeast of Sacramento. The freeway was closed for about 15 hours while firefighters made sure the batteries were cool enough to recover the truck.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Check back for updates.
