A big rig caught fire on the 5 Freeway in San Clemente, temporarily shutting down all northbound lanes Thursday afternoon, April 28.

The fire was reported at about 1 p.m. on the northbound side of the freeway near El Camino Real, Orange County Sheriff’s Sgt. A. Villanueva said. It was mostly extinguished by 1:30 p.m., and lanes began to reopen.

This big rig fire is now a #SIGALERT on the NB #5fwy before El Camino Real where ALL NB LNs are stopped. Expect big delays until some of the left LNs reopen. #SanClemente @knxnews @CaltransOC pic.twitter.com/NKarQFfgcj

— Brian Douglas (@BrianDouglasKNX) April 28, 2022

The fire did not appear to be the result of a collision, Villanueva said. It was not immediately clear how it started.

The 18-wheeler that burned was hauling combustible materials, according to the California Highway Patrol’s logs. Some at the scene reported that an explosion took place, all while other cars continued to pass by.

Two lanes on the northbound side remained closed as of 2 p.m., and may be shut down for at least another hour, CHP officials said.

No injuries have been reported.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available. 

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