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Tanker Explosion Closes Highway 20 Near I-80 In The Sierra

Highway 20 is closed near Interstate 80 due to a fiery head-on crash and explosion 6 miles west of Yuba Gap, according to Caltrans.

Eastbound Highway 20 is closed at Scott's Flat Road in Nevada City and westbound at Interstate 80. Around 10 a.m., a tow truck and a fuel tanker truck collided head-on, causing the tanker truck to explode, according to the CHP.

First responders say the fire from the wreckage was so intense, they couldn't even get close to it.

fire on highway 20
(Credit: Hannah Smith)

Firefighters with Cal Fire are on the scene preventing the spread of the flames. A spokesperson says the tanker, which continues to leak, was carrying 12,000-15,000 gallons of fuel.

Cal Fire NEU pic 1

It's unknown if anyone was injured in the crash. It's also unknown exactly when the roadway will reopen.

The scene of the crash is roughly between Nyack and Cisco Grove.

A CBS13 news crew is headed to the crash.

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