Merced, CA – Drivers across Merced County faced delays Monday after a big rig hauling propane cylinders crashed at the intersection of SR-165 and SR-140, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision, reported on November 17, resulted in minor injuries but created significant traffic issues as propane cylinders were scattered across the roadway.
According to CHP-Merced, the impact caused the cab of the semi to fully detach from the body of the truck, prompting a large-scale response involving fire crews and tow operators. Emergency personnel worked through the afternoon to secure loose propane cylinders and remove damaged equipment from the intersection.
CHP emphasized that the situation was brought under control safely, and no major injuries were reported. However, the cleanup effort required lane restrictions and intermittent closures, slowing traffic for drivers traveling between Los Banos, Merced, and surrounding rural areas.
Officials also used the incident to remind motorists of the importance of approaching intersections with full attention. According to CHP, many serious collisions occur at four-way stops when drivers fail to look twice or wait for cross traffic to fully clear.
As of Monday evening, all cylinders had been removed and lanes were reopened, though drivers should continue to anticipate residual delays as crews finalize debris removal.
Residents traveling through SR-165 or SR-140 earlier today are encouraged to share how long the detour or slowdown added to their trip.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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