On Wednesday morning, traffic on the 5 Freeway was significantly disrupted due to multiple collisions. The first reported accident occurred just before 5 a.m. at the southbound span of the 5 at Roxford Street in Sylmar. This incident involved a big rig and another vehicle, which flipped over the center divider and landed on the northbound side.
It was estimated that up to seven vehicles were part of the initial collision. The first responders found the scene ‘dramatic as the flipped vehicle was wedged between the center divider and the semi-truck trailer. The big rig was also found leaking fluid, leading to additional concerns.
Following the first crash, a serious traffic backup occurred on the southbound side of the 5, extending past the 14 Freeway. The 14 Freeway was also impacted with traffic jams reaching up to the Sand Canyon exit. By 8:15 a.m., delays on the 14 South extended back to Soledad Canyon Road. It remains unknown the status of the drivers involved in the collision.
Adding to the mornings traffic problems on 5 Freeway, there was also a reported vehicle fire on the northbound side not long after the first crash. This augmented the delays for drivers, predominantly those exiting the San Fernando Valley.
Subsequently, a second collision involving a big rig was reported around 6:45 a.m. Which took place near the freeways interchange with the 118 Freeway in San Fernando. The incident involved a second big rig, with the vehicle possessing a severely damaged front end. The trucks driver was critically injured and had to be evacuated by the first responders to a nearby hospital. This led to all but the carpool lane being blocked on the southbound side resulting in more miles of traffic jams.
From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.