Semi-trailer fire on Bay Bridge and fatal crash in San Jose cause traffic delays as travel begins on Memorial Day weekend

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A large truck fire on the Bay Bridge and a fatal traffic accident in San Jose cause significant traffic delays in those areas.

Shortly before 9 a.m. Friday, a truck loaded with oranges caught fire in the right shoulder lane of westbound Interstate Highway 80 on the bridge east of Treasure Island.

MAP: Real-time traffic conditions across the Bay Area

While emergency crews attempted to extinguish the flames, the CHP had to close several lanes.

Although the fire has since been extinguished and several lanes have been reopened, traffic jams occurred for most of the day.

The second accident affecting Bay Area roads occurred in the South Bay.

According to the California Highway Patrol, one person was killed Friday on southbound U.S. Highway 101 in San Jose when a semi-trailer collided with a sedan.

The CHP said at 2:30 p.m. that the two left lanes of southbound Highway 101 north of Blossom Hill Road were closed and would remain closed for investigators for “several hours.”

Hazardous materials workers were also at the scene, where the accident occurred at about 11:15 a.m. CHP officials said about 15 gallons of fuel spilled.

MORE: Here’s when to travel on what could be the busiest Memorial Day weekend in nearly 20 years

These incidents come as AAA reports that this Memorial Day weekend could be the busiest travel day in years.

They warn drivers that the best time to leave is after 8 p.m. on Friday, when they have not yet left for their destination.

And if you come home on Monday, avoid traveling between 3 and 7 p.m.