A big rig crash caused significant traffic disruptions on the 101 Freeway near Encino, Los Angeles, on Tuesday morning. The incident, which involved the big rig and another passenger vehicle, was reported just after 5:15 a.m. near the Hayvenhurst Avenue exit.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated the crash caused the semi-truck to overturn, blocking all westbound lanes of the freeway. Aerial footage captured by Sky5 showcased the overturned truck, with its trailer having separated from the tractor and leaning against the center divider. This incident has generated extensive backups for morning commuters, who faced long delays as they navigated the scene.
According to KABC News, the trailer "reportedly separated from the tractor and came to rest leaning against the center divider." A SigAlert was issued around 5:30 a.m. to assist with clearing the wreckage and tackling the diesel spill, which resulted from the accident. Crews were dispatched to address the spill and were utilizing absorbent materials to clean the freeway effectively.
By 8 a.m., the CHP announced the reopening of lanes 1 and 2, providing some relief for frustrated drivers. Officials indicated more lanes were expected to reopen afterward, stating, "Diesel fuel was spilling from the big rig and crews were using absorbent to help clean the freeway." The closure's impact extended beyond just the westbound lanes, as one eastbound lane was also reported closed as of 6:49 a.m.
The two westbound lanes reopened at around 8 a.m., but lanes 3, 4, and 5 remained closed, with the Hayvenhurst Avenue off-ramp also out of commission. Further updates from the CHP indicated expectations of the remainder of the freeway reopening by approximately 10 a.m. Meanwhile, authorities continued to monitor the situation and provide updates on the progress of the clean-up operations.
Despite the significant nature of the crash, details about injuries remained sparse, with no immediate reports of injuries arising from the collision. The cause of the crash has not been definitively established, with the CHP currently conducting an investigation.
This unfortunate event served as yet another reminder of the unpredictability of traffic on busy Los Angeles freeways, particularly during rush hour. Commuters often rely on timely updates to navigate their routes and avoid detours. The CHP’s efforts to clear the accident quickly likely played a key role in preventing even greater delays during the peak travel time.
Recovery operations continued throughout the morning, and the CHP was actively involved, with updates being relayed to local news outlets to keep the public informed. By 9:36 a.m., the CHP stated crews were nearing full clearance and were working diligently to restore normal traffic flow.
Although the primary focus remains on the crash and its immediate aftermath, it is also important for drivers to remain vigilant on the roads at all times. Collisions such as this highlight the need for safe driving practices and the potential impact on all travelers during unfortunate incidents.
With the freeway relatively restored to normalcy following the incident, the situation now shifts to the investigations to prevent future occurrences. Traffic safety remains pivotal, and the actions taken post-accident will likely inform protocols for similar situations moving forward.
