Overturned Semi Blocks I-5 Near Mission Bay

A big rig flipping over on Interstate 5 is the kind of crash that sounds simple but wrecks an entire morning. That is what happened in San Diego on Thursday, May 7, when a semi overturned on southbound I-5 near Mission Bay Drive, just north of Balboa Avenue. The truck ended up on its right side before dawn, and the cleanup dragged into the commute. For drivers heading through Pacific Beach and Mission Bay, the problem was not just the crash — it was where it happened. ### Where did it happen? The wreck hit southbound I-5 near Mission Bay Drive, in the stretch that carries traffic past Pacific Beach and the Mission Bay area. That matters because this is one of the main north-south routes along the coast, so even a partial lane blockage can ripple fast through nearby exits and feeder roads. (sandiegouniontribune.com) ### When did the crash start? The first reports put the crash at about 4:40 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026. That timing is bad in a very specific way — it gave emergency crews an early window to respond, but it also meant the wreck was still sitting there when the heavier morning commute started to build. (msn.com) ### What exactly was blocked? The overturned truck shut down multiple southbound lanes. Early reports said at least the three right lanes were blocked, which is enough to turn freeway flow into a funnel. Some coverage described the broader closure as a full shutdown at points during the response, with heavy-duty tow equipment needed before crews could really clear the scene. (aol.com) ### Why did traffic get so ugly? Because a semi is not a quick push-to-the-shoulder problem. Once a big rig rolls over, crews have to secure the truck, manage any cargo or fluid hazards, and bring in specialized tow trucks strong enough to upright and remove it. That takes time, and on I-5 near Mission Bay there is not much slack in the system once lanes disappear. (aol.com) ### What were drivers told to do? CHP and local outlets told drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes. The main detour mentioned Thursday morning was State Route 52, which gave southbound drivers a way to bail out instead of sitting in the backup near Mission Bay Drive. Basically, if you stayed on I-5, you were choosing the slow version of the morning. (nbcsandiego.com) ### Was anyone hurt? The reports that moved quickly on Thursday focused on lane closures, towing, and detours, not injuries. That usually means the traffic impact was the main public story at the time, but it also means early coverage did not clearly establish a full i(nbcsandiego.com)ports. (sandiegouniontribune.com) ### Did the lanes reopen? Yes. By later Thursday, southbound I-5 had reopened near Pacific Beach after crews cleared the overturned truck. That is the practical end of the story, but not before hours of delays had already spread through one of San Diego’s busiest coastal freeway segments. (nbcsandiego.com) ### Bottom line This was not a huge mystery or a sprawling disaster. It was a badly placed big-rig rollover at 4:40 a.m. on a freeway San Diego drivers rely on every day. But that is enough. On I-5 near Mission Bay, losing three lanes for hours can turn one crash into a region-wide headache.