I-5 Tunnel Fire Updates: NO MORE FATALITIES EXPECTED

Sunday, October 14, 2007

I-5 Tunnel Fire Updates: NO MORE FATALITIES EXPECTED

Santa Clarita - Newhall Pass - I-5 Tunnel Fire Updates:

THREE DEAD - NO MORE FATALITIES EXPECTED
WRECKAGE OF TWENTY EIGHT TRUCKS AND ONE CAR HAS BEEN CLEARED FROM TUNNEL

The freeway remains closed as officials try determine the cause of Friday's crash and the extent of structural damage.

Three people, two men and an infant, are confirmed dead and 10 injured in the I-5 tunnel vehicle accident and fire.

28 commercial vehicles and one passenger vehicle involved in the crash, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Bridge Damage:Bridge appears to be in good shape. "I'm very pleased with how well this bridge held up," said Cal trans Director Douglas Failing, Failing said it was still too early to estimate how long it would take to reopen and repair the tunnel. "If it goes well, it could be open in a couple of weeks," he said, but if damage proves more significant, it could take much longer.

Tunnel Damage extensive: Walls heavily damaged and have exposed rebar which has separated from the concrete, concrete spalling, heavy soot cleanup, no structural cracks found, the tunnel's roof appeared sound. Fire damaged road and the asphalt shoulders of the road,

About 10 workers had shored up the tunnel sides temporarily with wood and steel beams and were inspecting the tunnel, taking samples of concrete that would be examined for signs of structural damage.

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Sunday, October 14, 2007