UPDATE (4 p.m.) - Caltrans reports that two southbound lanes of Highway 101 are now open at Milpas St. but the right slow lane remains closed.
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UPDATE (2:39 p.m.) - One lane of Hwy 101 has reopened through Santa Barbara after a truck fire fully stopped southbound traffic in the area.
Police say a cement truck rolled over before starting a fire along the freeway.
Traffic remains heavy in the area. Caltrans District 5 officials urge drivers to use caution and expect significant commute delays.
CHP, police and Santa Barbara City Fire are on scene.
The No. 2 (center) and No. 3 (right) lanes of southbound US 101 near Milpas Street in Santa Barbara are blocked following an incident involving an overturned truck. The No. 1 (left) lane is open but traffic is moving slowly.@PIOJimShivers
— Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) March 23, 2022
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Southbound Hwy 101 is closed after a large truck crashed and caught on fire in Santa Barbara on Wednesday afternoon.
Officials first reported the crash at about 1:26 p.m. in the right hand shoulder of southbound Hwy 101, near Milpas St.
Initial reports indicate the driver lost control of the vehicle. The truck overturned and caught fire near the railroad tracks. The fire ignited nearby brush.
The fire department has stopped trains along the railroad tracks.
Santa Barbara Police and Santa Barbara City Fire crews were on scene of the crash
Police say the southbound lanes of the freeway are fully closed and urge drivers to avoid the area.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
