Traffic on northbound Interstate 5 in Stockton was heavily disrupted Thursday evening after an eight-vehicle crash involving an overturned big rig near March Lane.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision happened shortly after 5:15 p.m. south of March Lane. The truck was carrying a load of watermelons when it overturned, blocking several lanes and triggering a major traffic backup.
At least one person suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, while two other people were hospitalized with minor injuries, officials said.
The crash prompted an extended emergency response as crews worked to clear the wreckage and deal with the overturned truck. Caltrans reported that northbound traffic near March Lane was reduced to a limited number of lanes while cleanup continued. At one point, several lanes were closed, and drivers were advised to avoid the area if possible.
Traffic remained slow well into the evening. Around 8:20 p.m., vehicles were still moving through the crash area at reduced speeds, according to traffic monitoring.
Dashcam footage captured the moments leading up to the collision, including the big rig overturning on the freeway.
The cause of the crash has not been publicly established. Authorities were continuing to manage the scene while crews worked to remove the damaged vehicles and reopen the affected lanes.
Drivers traveling north through Stockton were urged to consider alternate routes and allow additional time for their trips as the cleanup continued.
