Massive gas-tanker fire closes 134 Freeway, Glendale man arrested

A section of the Ventura (134) Freeway has reopened following a fiery crash that consumed a gas tanker and another car late Saturday,the California Highway Patrol is reporting.

The fire erupted shortly after 11 p.m. when the rear trailer to the tanker was struck from behind by a car traveling at a high rate of speed heading west on the highway east of I-5, CHP Officer Ed Jacobs said.

Due to the collision, the tanker struck a guardrail and overturned, bursting into flames along the shoulder underneath the 134 connector to southbound Interstate 5, the CHP said. Flames quickly engulfed the car, a Honda, as well. Both drivers, and a passenger in the Honda, scrambled to safety and were not injured.

The driver of the car, a 25-year-old Glendale man, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, the CHP said.

Eastbound lanes opened Sunday morning, while westbound lanes are expected to open by 6 p.m., according to the CHP.

Updated 12:54 p.m: CHP officials identified the driver of the vehicle that struck the tanker as 25-year-old Hakop Maghakyan of Glendale.

-- Sam Quinones, Los Angeles Times