[01-12-2026] San Diego County, CA – Fiery Collision Involving Tractor-Trailer Closes SR-76 Near Lilac Extension Rd.

A traffic collision involving a tractor-trailer and a vehicle that caught fire resulted in a full closure of State Route 76 near Lilac Extension Road in San Diego County early Monday morning, January 12, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 7:15 a.m. and began as a solo-vehicle collision before escalating into a major incident. 

CHP logs indicated that a large tractor-trailer and a smaller vehicle were involved, with the smaller vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Authorities later reported that two semitrailers were involved and that one vehicle exploded.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes of SR-76 were closed near Lilac Extension, just past the fire station, with a hard closure initiated while emergency crews responded. Fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, and CHP coordinated traffic control and road closures. A heavy-duty tow truck was requested to remove the tractor-trailer, with an estimated arrival within the hour.

As of the latest update, the roadway remained closed while crews worked to clear the scene. No immediate information on injuries was available.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the investigation and cleanup continued.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

• Check yourself for any injuries.
• Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
• Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
• Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
• Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.