A fatal multi-car crash on the northbound 405 Freeway near Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood left one person dead and two others injured on Friday evening, authorities reported. The collision caused significant traffic delays as emergency responders rushed to the scene and issued a SigAlert for the area.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed that the accident occurred around 6:45 p.m. Multiple vehicles were involved, with at least one car suffering severe damage. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) dispatched rescue teams who discovered a person trapped inside one of the wrecked vehicles. Firefighters used special equipment to extricate the individual, but despite their efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other people were injured in the crash, according to CHP officers. One victim was in critical condition and was rushed to a local hospital. The second injured individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also transported for medical care. The names of the victims have not been released.
Witnesses at the scene described the incident as sudden and chaotic. “I saw cars swerving everywhere,” said Maria Ramirez, who was driving on the freeway when the accident occurred. “The sound of the crash was terrifying, and people were screaming for help.”
The crash triggered a SigAlert that shut down three lanes on the northbound side of the freeway for over an hour, causing traffic to back up for miles. Commuters stuck in the gridlock expressed both frustration and concern for those involved in the accident. “It’s scary to think how quickly something like this can happen,” said Darren Lee, a motorist who was caught in the traffic jam. “You feel helpless just sitting there in your car, knowing that someone might have just lost their life.”
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. They are reviewing potential factors such as speed, driver error, and road conditions. The CHP has not commented on whether drugs or alcohol may have played a role but has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Officers are gathering witness statements and analyzing any available footage from dashboard cameras in nearby vehicles.
The accident on the 405 Freeway highlights ongoing concerns about traffic safety in Los Angeles, particularly on heavily congested routes like the 405. The combination of high traffic volume and driver distractions often leads to serious accidents on the city’s highways. In response to such incidents, local officials have been advocating for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improvements in infrastructure to enhance safety.
“This tragic event underscores the importance of staying alert and cautious on the road,” said CHP spokesperson Officer Ricardo Lopez. “We urge all drivers to be mindful of their surroundings, especially in high-traffic areas where accidents can happen in an instant.”
The 405 Freeway is one of the busiest transportation corridors in the United States, carrying thousands of commuters daily. Accidents on this freeway often lead to significant delays and disruptions. Authorities hope that increased public awareness and preventive measures can help reduce the number of fatalities on the freeway.
Emergency crews cleared the scene after several hours, and traffic slowly returned to normal later in the evening. However, for those who witnessed the crash or were caught in its aftermath, the memory of the incident will not be easily forgotten.
The CHP is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information to contact their office to assist with the investigation. As the affected families grieve their loss, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and potential dangers of daily commuting.
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