All lanes reopened after big rig crash on eastbound Bay Bridge in San Francisco caused big delays

A jackknifed big rig leaking fuel blocked lanes of the lower deck of the Bay Bridge early Friday, causing severe traffic backups that spread through San Francisco for hours.

The truck crashed around 5 a.m. when it slammed into the left side wall near the San Francisco side of the span, said CHP Officer James Evans. The driver sustained minor injuries in the accident, he said.

A jackknifed big rig leaking fuel caused major delays on eastbound Interstate 80 eastbound early Friday. A jackknifed big rig leaking fuel caused major delays on eastbound Interstate 80 eastbound early Friday. Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close All lanes reopened after big rig crash on eastbound Bay Bridge in San Francisco caused big delays 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

By noon, all five of the Bay Bridge lanes had been reopened, according to the CHP, winding down an hours-long ordeal that caused many drivers to inch along for blocks and blocks.

One eastbound lane, the far right lane, had opened following the crash. An additional lane opened shortly after 7 a.m., and another opened around 10 a.m.

A Caltrans tow truck was unable to handle the jackknifed truck, causing further delays in clearing the scene. In addition, police and fire units responding to the Bay Bridge were prohibited from using flares or other flammable material because of the danger of the fuel leak.

The fuel spill, the extent of which was immediately unclear, was contained and not expected to leak into the bay, city fire officials said. Caltrans was expected to bring in an outside contractor to clean up the spill.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley