Early Tuesday morning, commuters on California’s 210 Freeway in the San Gabriel Valley were greeted by an unusual—and chaotic—scene: thousands of beer cans and several metal kegs scattered across the asphalt, the aftermath of a dramatic crash involving multiple big rigs. The incident, which unfolded just before 3 a.m. on September 30, 2025, near Vernon Avenue in the Irwindale and Azusa areas, led to extensive traffic delays, a significant cleanup operation, and a spectacle that quickly became the talk of the region.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved at least two big rigs and several other vehicles. The collision caused one semi-truck’s trailer—carrying cases of Coors Light—to rip open, sending nearly 5,000 beer cans and numerous kegs tumbling across the westbound lanes. As reported by UPI, the force of the collision was so severe that one of the big rigs nearly folded in half, rupturing its cargo and amplifying the chaos on the freeway.
Video footage aired by several local outlets, including KTLA and ABC7, captured the surreal aftermath: cans of beer strewn across all lanes, some of which were run into by oncoming vehicles, and crews rolling metal kegs off the roadway. The California Highway Patrol quickly responded, shutting down all westbound lanes at one point to facilitate the cleanup and investigation. First responders worked methodically, clearing cans and rolling kegs to the freeway’s shoulder, eventually allowing several lanes to reopen as the morning wore on.
"It looked like a river of beer out there," one commuter told KCAL News, describing the scene as both bizarre and frustrating. For many, the sight of thousands of beer cans shimmering in the headlights was a jarring start to their day—and a reminder that even the most routine morning commute can take an unexpected turn.
The crash, which occurred in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, quickly became a major traffic event. By 4:30 a.m., heavy delays were already being reported, with traffic backing up all the way to the 57 Freeway. Motorists were warned to expect delays of up to an hour, and drivers were urged to find alternate routes if possible. The California Highway Patrol issued a Sigalert at 3:32 a.m., closing the three and four lanes of the westbound freeway as well as the Vernon Avenue on-ramp. The alert was extended at 6:08 a.m., and even as late as 9 a.m., the two right lanes remained closed while crews continued to clear the debris. The Sigalert wasn’t canceled until just after 10 a.m., nearly seven hours after the initial crash.
Cleanup was no small feat. As reported by Patch and City News Service, the operation required crews to painstakingly remove thousands of cans and several heavy kegs from the roadway. Video from the scene showed workers rolling kegs off the freeway and using shovels and brooms to clear the scattered cans. For many drivers, the wait was long and patience was thin, but officials emphasized the importance of safety—both for the crews working in the area and for the drivers navigating the congested lanes.
Surprisingly, despite the dramatic nature of the crash and the extensive debris field, injuries were minimal. Initial reports from UPI and local news outlets indicated that there were no serious injuries. One person was treated for a minor wound, but officials did not confirm any further injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials have yet to release details about what led up to the collision.
For many in the region, the incident was a stark reminder of how quickly traffic conditions can change—and how even the most mundane cargo can become a major hazard when things go wrong. The California Highway Patrol urged drivers to remain vigilant, especially when crews are working on or near the freeway. "We ask that everyone travel with caution and be observant of crews working in the area," officials stated, highlighting the dangers faced by first responders and cleanup workers in such situations.
The spectacle of beer cans and kegs carpeting the freeway inevitably sparked a flurry of reactions online and in the community. Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of the scene, with many users marveling at the sheer scale of the spill and the oddity of a "beer river" running through the heart of Southern California’s morning commute. Some joked about the "party on the 210," while others lamented the loss of so much beer—especially so early in the day.
Beyond the novelty, the incident underscores the logistical and safety challenges posed by large-scale cargo spills on busy highways. The 210 Freeway is a major artery for commuters and freight alike, and any disruption can have ripple effects across the region. The California Highway Patrol’s swift response—shutting down lanes, issuing alerts, and coordinating cleanup—helped minimize the risk of further accidents and ensured that traffic could resume as quickly and safely as possible.
As the morning wore on and the last of the beer cans were cleared, drivers slowly began to make their way through the reopened lanes. By just after 10 a.m., all lanes were finally open, and the Sigalert was canceled. For many, it was a relief to see traffic moving again, even if the memory of the morning’s chaos lingered. As one commuter quipped to Patch, "I’ve seen a lot of things on this freeway, but never a beer spill like that. It’ll be a story to tell for a long time."
While the cause of the crash remains unknown, the incident serves as a vivid example of the unpredictable hazards that can arise on Southern California’s freeways. For the drivers caught in the backup, the cleanup crews, and the officials managing the response, it was a morning that won’t soon be forgotten—and a reminder that, sometimes, the road to work can be stranger than fiction.
