Truck catches on fire, yams spill onto freeway

A big-rig hauling a load of yams caught fire early this morning, snarling the morning commute on the southbound Golden State (5) Freeway at Western Avenue, officials said.

The truck driver pulled over to the roadside about 2:30 a.m. after noticing flames sweeping through his rig, which was carrying at least 50,000 pounds of yams, said California Highway Patrol Officer Ed Jacobs.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, he said.

Flames overtook the big-rig cab and trailer, forcing authorities to shut two lanes and issue a Sigalert for the major thoroughfare.

Lanes were closed for nearly six hours as crews worked to put out the blaze and transfer the yams onto another trailer, Jacobs said.