On Sunday morning, December 28th, a serious multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck occurred on the southbound 5 Freeway in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The accident resulted in one fatality and left 15 others injured.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department as reported by KABC, the accident took place south of 4th Street at 5:07 am.
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that a semi-trailer collided with multiple cars. The scene of the accident was devastating with 9 cars significantly damaged, at least one caught fire, which was later extinguished. Rescue teams arrived promptly to extinguish fires and assess and treat the injured.
Information from the Los Angeles Fire Department indicates that out of the 15 injured individuals, 10 were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The specific conditions of the injured have not been disclosed, and the identity of the deceased has not been made public.
Caltrans stated that the southbound 5 Freeway from 4th Street to the connection with the southbound 10 Freeway was completely shut down, with the California Highway Patrol issuing a SigAlert warning. Traffic resumed later in the morning.
Initially reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department as 16 injuries, after on-site assessment, it was confirmed that 15 people required medical assistance.
The cause of the accident is currently unclear. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances, including whether the semi-truck was overloaded, the condition of the driver, road conditions, and other potential factors, and will be responsible for releasing all relevant information. The Los Angeles Fire Department has transferred all inquiries regarding the investigation to the California Highway Patrol.
Local community members are deeply shocked by this sudden tragedy and are awaiting official updates on the accident details and investigation progress.
The transportation department reminds drivers to drive safely, maintain safe distances, and avoid driving while fatigued. This multi-vehicle collision incident once again highlights the importance of highway traffic safety, especially in the early morning when traffic volumes are relatively low but speeds are high.