CHP revokes hazmat license of trucking firm involved in Maze inferno

2007-05-25 14:50:13 PDT Sacramento -- The hazardous materials transportation license for a trucking firm whose gasoline tanker crashed and melted a portion of the MacArthur Maze was revoked today after California Highway Patrol inspectors found 36 violations of its operations and equipment.

Inspectors found violations against Sabek Transportation that range from improper maintenance and driver record keeping to problems with the trucks' brakes and wheels, said Commander Fran Clader, a CHP spokeswoman.

The review was completed May 16 and the company was given five days to respond, but there was no reply, she said. Sabek's hazmat license was revoked effective 12:01 am today, she said.

The I-580 connector was closed early April 29 when a tanker truck operated by Sabek Transportation crashed on the freeway that connects westbound I-80 to southbound Interstate 880. The truck burst into flames, and the fireball caused the steel frame supporting I-580 directly above to bend and collapse.

Repairs were completed on the portion of I-580 Thursday, and the section of freeway was open for this morning's commute.