One Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on 101 Freeway in Encino
One person was killed early Saturday in a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the northbound 101 Freeway near White Oak Avenue in Encino, officials confirmed.
The tragic crash unfolded just before 2 a.m. when a black sedan was disabled in the fast lane with hazard lights on, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The victim reportedly stepped out of the vehicle and was then struck in a catastrophic chain-reaction collision involving a total of four vehicles.
Emergency Response and Scene Details
First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived swiftly to the scene. Disturbing video footage from the incident shows firefighters using a jack to lift a car wreck off the victim, who remained motionless under the vehicle, as they checked for vital signs. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A representative from the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office was called to the site.
Highway Closure and Traffic Impact
The CHP issued a Sigalert at 2:38 a.m. shutting down all northbound lanes and diverting traffic to White Oak Avenue. Lanes gradually reopened, but significant traffic backups continued for hours, disrupting travel in the early morning hours in this busy section of the freeway.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the initial disabled vehicle and subsequent collision remains under investigation by the CHP, who are piecing together how the chain-reaction crash unfolded. No further details about the deceased individual have been released.
Why This Matters
This fatal incident highlights the grave dangers of stopping on fast-moving freeways, and the risks emergency responders and drivers face in the aftermath. Motorists traveling northbound on the 101 Freeway today and through the weekend should anticipate delays and seek alternate routes.
“We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution when encountering disabled vehicles and emergency scenes on freeways,” the CHP said in a statement.
As investigations continue, The California Herald will provide updates on traffic conditions and any new information about the victim’s identity and crash details.
