Big rig crashes and catches fire on 5 Freeway in Anaheim, driver injured, lanes closed

ANAHEIM — The driver of a big rig that crashed into a wall alongside the northbound lanes of the Santa Ana (5) Freeway in Anaheim, causing the semi to catch fire and authorities to shut down all lanes of the freeway for more than two hours, was hospitalized Friday morning in serious condition.

The crash occurred near Lincoln Avenue about 12:45 a.m. and caused produce from the semi to be spilled across lanes of traffic, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The driver was trapped in the cab of the burning big rig and officers rushed in to save him.

“They did put themselves at great risk of harm by attempting to retrieve the driver from the tractor, but due to his injuries, apparently, or his state of awareness he was not able to (free himself),” CHP Sgt. Janelle Bautista told reporters at the scene.

The driver was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

The No. 1 lane of the northbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway near Lincoln Street in Anaheim is now open, but all other mainline lanes of the freeway will be closed until at least 9:30 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. The carpool lane reopened around 3 a.m.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.