Two Vehicles Roll 200 Feet Down 405 Freeway Embankment in Van Nuys
Key Takeaways
- Five people were taken to hospitals after a two-vehicle crash on the southbound 405 Freeway in Van Nuys.
- Both vehicles rolled about 200 feet down an embankment near Woodley Park.
- Firefighters used hydraulic tools to free an injured man from an overturned pickup truck.
- A witness told the California Highway Patrol that one vehicle was speeding in and out of lanes before the crash.
- All southbound lanes reopened by 9:20 p.m., and the cause remains under investigation.
Introduction
Five people were injured Saturday evening when two vehicles crashed and rolled down a 405 Freeway embankment in Van Nuys, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash sent both vehicles about 200 feet down the slope and created a complex rescue operation.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The collision was reported at 7:03 p.m. Saturday on the southbound 405 Freeway just south of Victory Boulevard, CHP said. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the crash happened just before 7 p.m. Aerial footage showed an overturned pickup truck and a sedan on the embankment below the roadway. Video from the scene showed the sedan was also overturned.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews used hydraulic tools to free an injured man from the pickup. Three women and another man were also near the sedan. All five people were taken by ambulance to area hospitals. LAFD spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton said their conditions were not immediately available.
Most CHP reporting and the initial Air7 report listed two vehicles involved. NBC Los Angeles described the crash as a multi-vehicle rollover and noted that the exact number of vehicles was unclear at first. Aerial video from NewsChopper4 showed at least two vehicles down the embankment.
A witness told CHP that one vehicle was speeding in and out of lanes before the crash. Investigators have not said which vehicle the witness was referring to.
All southbound lanes were reopened by 9:20 p.m., according to CHP.
Local California Context
The crash happened in Van Nuys, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. The vehicles came to rest next to Woodley Park, a popular recreation area. The 405 Freeway at Victory Boulevard is a major gateway for drivers traveling between the Valley and the Westside.
Background
The 405 Freeway is one of the busiest commuter corridors in Southern California. High-speed collisions are common, but rollovers that send vehicles down steep embankments are more unusual. When they happen, the rescue response often requires specialized equipment and significant time.
Conclusion
The CHP investigation is ongoing, and officials have not released the names or conditions of the injured. Witnesses or anyone with information are encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol. The crash is a reminder to avoid aggressive driving and speeding in and out of lanes, especially on high-speed freeway stretches.
