Site of Ranchero road fire 5/5/2014 (Hesperia, California)

USA / California / Hesperia / Hesperia, California
A construction worker was using a blowtorch to cut rebar about 1:30 p.m. Monday when sparks ignited the wooden falsework that was supporting the structure, Caltrans said. An investigation was ongoing.

Before the fire broke out, the $59-million Ranchero Road interchange development was about six months away from completion, according to San Bernardino Associated Governments.

The project had been expected to significantly alleviate area traffic congestion.

The fire and resulting bridge collapse caused hourslong traffic delays on Monday in the Cajon Pass area. Backups were less bad on
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Coordinates:   34°23'0"N   117°24'53"W
This article was last modified 11 years ago