One Dead in Multi-Vehicle Crash on 101 Freeway in Encino
ENCINO, California — A deadly multi-vehicle crash shut down the northbound 101 Freeway early Saturday, leaving one person dead and snarling traffic in the Los Angeles area. The fatal incident unfolded shortly before 2 a.m. just south of White Oak Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Officials reported the chaotic crash began when a black sedan was found disabled and blocking the leftmost lane with its hazard lights flashing. Authorities say a person stepped out of the vehicle and was tragically struck in a subsequent chain-reaction collision involving at least four vehicles.
First Responders Battle Scene to Reach Victim
Video from the scene captured by news crews shows Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters using specialized jacks to carefully lift wreckage off the victim, who was trapped motionless beneath a car. Medical personnel were on site but the victim was pronounced dead. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner was called to the scene to assist with the investigation.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released. Investigators continue to examine what caused the initial disabled vehicle and the resulting pileup on the busy freeway.
Highway Shutdown and Traffic Chaos
A Sigalert was issued at 2:38 a.m., closing all northbound lanes of the 101 Freeway and diverting traffic onto White Oak Avenue. The closure triggered heavy backups for hours, with authorities reopening only two lanes for a time before clearing the scene completely.
The full reopening of all lanes is confirmed, but delays persisted well into the morning as emergency crews worked to clean the wreckage and conclude their investigation.
Why This Crash Matters to Drivers Nationwide
Interstate highways across the country regularly see dangerous incidents caused by disabled vehicles blocking lanes. This tragedy underlines the critical need for drivers to exercise extreme caution when stopping on busy freeways and for travelers to stay alert for unexpected hazards. Experts advise staying far away from disabled cars and calling authorities immediately rather than exiting the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
For drivers in South Carolina and across the US, this crash serves as a stark reminder that freeway dangers can strike suddenly and change lives in an instant. The sudden shutdown of a vital traffic artery also highlights the ripple effects that freeway incidents have on commuters nationwide.
What Happens Next?
The CHP is actively investigating the cause of the initial disabled sedan and the resulting chain collision. In the coming days, officials expected to release additional details about the victim and any potential citations or safety measures stemming from their findings.
Motorists are urged to stay vigilant and avoid distractions while driving on high-speed roadways to prevent similar tragedies. Updates on traffic conditions and incident reports can be found through local CHP channels and traffic alerts.
“This incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by disabled vehicles on busy highways,” CHP representatives said in a statement.
The SC Journal will continue to follow this story and provide critical updates as they develop for readers across South Carolina and the United States.
