One lane was reopened early Wednesday morning, leaving traffic backed up for miles as the sun came up at the scene. The interstate was fully reopened by 8:30 a.m.
The pileup began about 9 p.m. in the Fort Tejon area, just north of Lebec. Two big rigs, one carrying a payload of wine bottles, were initially involved in a crash and erupted in flames. Shortly afterward, according to the California Highway Patrol, a third semi slammed into 11 vehicles that were part of the traffic backup.
Only three minor injuries were reported.
Caltrans crews cleared the roadway, including hundreds of scattered wine bottles, and repaired a damaged guardrail before the lanes were reopened.