The southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles’ Sawtelle neighborhood were shut down for hours Sunday morning after a multi-vehicle crash left one person dead and several others injured.
The crash happened around 3 a.m. near Santa Monica Boulevard, just before the 10 Freeway interchange. According to investigators, at least four vehicles and a motorcycle were involved.
Preliminary reports suggest the motorcyclist was the person killed, though officials have not yet confirmed their identity.
After the collision, the victim’s body appeared to remain in the roadway, with reports indicating it may have been struck by other passing vehicles. Two additional people were treated at the scene for injuries.
KTLA’s Omar Lewis reported that CHP and LAPD investigators remained on scene well into daylight, as crews worked to clear debris scattered across multiple lanes.
Video from the scene showed mangled vehicles, emergency responders surrounding the wreckage, and investigators documenting the crash.
Witnesses described chaotic moments as smoke rose from the freeway and drivers pulled over in confusion.
“I saw all this smoke and commotion, and I thought I saw a body,” one witness told KTLA. “I pulled over immediately to see if someone was in the car and noticed that there was a body on the freeway.”
By sunrise, live video showed southbound traffic diverted off the freeway and onto Santa Monica Boulevard, creating a significant backup for early morning commuters. Crews eventually began removing cones and reopening lanes once the crash site was cleared, though traffic delays continued into the morning.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area as the investigation continued.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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