A Sig Alert was issued after what was initially reported to be an injury accident involving multiple vehicles on eastbound Interstate 80 in Berkeley caused serious traffic in the area.
The accident took place between the Ashby Avenue exit and entrance ramps on the freeway at about 10:15 p.m. Delays of up to 20 minutes were expected.
When the call came in to the CHP, at least one vehicle was reportedly facing the wrong way in the roadway. Up to six vehicles were involved in the collision, according to preliminary information from the CHP.
Numerous ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
According to the 511 Traffic website, “On Saturday December 5th at 10:54 PM, a Severe Traffic Alert is in effect for Eastbound I-80 between the Ashby Avenue exit ramp and the Ashby Avenue entrance ramp in Berkeley. All lanes are blocked due to an injury accident. Motorists are advised to expect delays and to use alternate routes. There is no estimated time of opening the roadway.”
The CHP reported at 11:07 p.m. that the alert had been canceled and all lanes had reopened.
511 Traffic reported at 11:20 p.m. that there continued to be “Residual delays on I-80 Eastbound area of Ashby Ave (Berkeley). All lanes open. Expect delays.”
Oakland CHP spokesman Officer Sean Wilkenfeld said Sunday that the hit-and-run accident ended up involving three vehicles, but that no injuries ultimately were reported. Officers located two of the involved vehicles on the scene but a third one fled.
“Lanes were closed mainly so the tow trucks could get the vehicles off the roadway since at least one had struck the center divider,” he said.
This post was updated Sunday after the CHP provided additional information.
Follow Berkeleyside on Twitter and Facebook. Email us at tips@berkeleyside.com. Get the latest Berkeley news in your inbox with Berkeleyside’s free Daily Briefing.
