A wrong-way collision on the 405 Freeway in California early Tuesday morning resulted in one fatality and closed the major roadway for approximately four hours. The crash occurred near Hawthorne shortly before 1 a.m. when a black sedan was reported driving southbound in the northbound HOV lane.
The incident involved three vehicles, with one catching fire. A SigAlert was issued at approximately 1:03 a.m., leading to the closure of the freeway and traffic diversions. The SigAlert was lifted around 5:12 a.m. Firefighters and the coroner were on scene to attend to the fatality.
According to a witness, who identified himself as Jose, there were two occupants in the vehicle that caught fire. He stated that one person, a female, died upon impact, while the other, a male, was hospitalized. This male occupant was taken to the hospital in unknown condition, according to ABC 7. It remains unclear if the deceased individual has been identified.
The California Highway Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the sedan traveling in the wrong direction. The collision had minimal impact on the morning commute for most drivers. Caltrans and the Los Angeles Police Department assisted the CHP at the scene.