215 Freeway reopens in Perris after crash, partial bridge collapse

PERRIS, Calif. (KABC) -- The 215 Freeway finally reopened Wednesday morning in Perris, nearly 20 hours after a truck hauling sand hit an overpass, causing the bridge to partially collapse.

The California Highway Patrol said northbound lanes reopened around 5:15 a.m., and southbound lanes opened around 3 a.m.

The accident happened at a construction site near the State Route 74 interchange around 10 a.m. Part of the bridge fell onto northbound lanes. No injuries were reported and no other vehicles were involved.

California Highway Patrol Officer Travis Monks said the driver was still in the interviewing process. No drugs or alcohol were found in the vehicle, Monks said.

According to witnesses, the driver was heading northbound on the 215 Freeway when he lost control. The cement truck went up on a K rail and smashed into one of the supports for the bridge, bringing down all of the falsework.

According to one official at the scene, the driver told the CHP the bridge collapsed on him, causing the crash. But the California Highway Patrol has found that is not the case.

"He's made some statements that evidence has proved against," said Monks.

A concrete pour on the bridge was scheduled to begin Tuesday night prior to the crash.