Thousands of crushed aluminum cans scattered across lanes of northbound Interstate 880 in the Hayward-Union City area triggered a slowdown and distraction for motorists Tuesday morning and afternoon.
The California Highway Patrol reported at 9:30 a.m. that "millions of aluminum cans" were littered across the freeway "for about 2 miles" in the area of Whipple Road.
Some people pulled over and tried to collect some of the cans, prompting a scolding from authorities.
"Please do not stop to pick up the cans," the CHP tweeted. "You could end up leaving with a ticket and no cans."
The source of the spill is not known at this time.
At least one street sweeper could be seen clearing the cans from the freeway.
Further information was not immediately available.
