A Tesla Semi caught fire on Interstate 880 in Hayward on Tuesday evening, forcing authorities to close the freeway in both directions and triggering significant traffic disruptions in the East Bay. The southbound closure could last up to 18 hours as crews work to extinguish the truck’s lithium-ion battery fire and ensure the vehicle is safe to remove.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fire started around 5:45 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-880, just north of Highway 92 in Hayward.
The truck’s lithium-ion battery caught fire, prompting authorities to shut down both directions of the freeway because of concerns about potentially hazardous smoke.
“Due to the potential risk of hazardous chemical smoke,” officers closed the roadway, CHP Officer Rolando Guzman said.
Northbound I-880 Reopens as Southbound Closure Continues
The northbound lanes of I-880 reopened around 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, but the southbound lanes could remain closed for as long as 18 hours, according to the CHP.
Emergency crews were working to extinguish the battery fire and determine when the damaged Tesla Semi could be safely removed from the scene.
Authorities diverted southbound traffic at Winton Avenue. Caltrans was also expected to implement a hard closure as crews continued their response.
No injuries were immediately reported, and authorities said no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Guzman said the truck’s driver told officers that the vehicle had caught fire but did not know what caused it. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Motorists traveling through Hayward and the surrounding East Bay were advised to use alternate routes while the southbound closure remained in effect.
Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Can Be Difficult to Extinguish
Lithium-ion battery fires can pose challenges for firefighters because damaged battery cells may continue generating heat even after the initial flames are brought under control. In some cases, the cells can reignite, requiring crews to monitor the vehicle and manage the fire for an extended period.
The battery fire on I-880 is reminiscent of a 2024 Tesla Semi fire on Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap.
According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, that incident involved a Tesla Semi that had crashed. Federal investigators reported that firefighters used approximately 50,000 gallons of water before the truck could be recovered.
The circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s fire in Hayward were different, and investigators had not yet determined what caused the vehicle to catch fire.
Drivers Urged to Avoid Southbound I-880
The closure created the potential for extended delays for drivers traveling through the East Bay. Motorists were advised to avoid the affected stretch of southbound I-880 and seek alternate routes while emergency crews worked at the scene.
The CHP’s initial update was shared through its official social media post.
The duration of the southbound closure depended on the time needed to extinguish the battery fire and safely remove the Tesla Semi. The cause of the incident remained under investigation.
