2 Dead In Fiery Chain Reaction Crashes Involving 5 Big Rigs On I-5

San Joaquin County, California – At least two people have died in a series of crashes involving multiple big rigs Thursday morning along I-5.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) the tragic scene began unfolding at approximately 6:37 in the northbound lanes of I-5 near Highway 12 in Flag City.

The first of the collisions was a 2-vehicle crash involving a sedan and a tractor-trailer. It is unclear what led to the crash, but CHP confirmed there were no fatalities from that accident.

Caltrans closed the No. 3 lane for that crash as it worked to notify drivers to slow down in the area.

However, at approximately 7:30 a.m. a deadly chain reaction crash began when a big rig crashed into a silver sedan, CHP said.

That crash triggered a series of other collisions, which ultimately involved four big rigs and three sedans, investigators have confirmed.

At least two people have been confirmed dead as a result of a series of crashes along I-5 Thursday morning.

Images from the scene reveal the extent of the carnage and mangled, charred vehicles.

A person in a sedan and a person in a pickup truck have been confirmed dead at this time.

Numerous local media outlets are reporting at least one truck driver was taken to the hospital.

Authorities closed all lanes until about 12:30 p.m. as emergency crews worked to save as many lives as they could and clear the scene.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Transportation Nation Network will continue to monitor any new developments and update this report.

#trafficalert UPDATE: NB I-5 remains closed – without an estimated time of opening – in northern San Joaquin County. The road was closed following a series of collisions this morning, including a secondary collision that involved big rigs. For more, visit https://t.co/ggWOWX2upE pic.twitter.com/4a19Ijs908
— Caltrans District 10 (@CaltransDist10) May 23, 2019