Fiery Crash Shuts Down 101 Freeway

LOS ANGELES, CA — One person was hospitalized in a crash involving a big rig on the 101 Freeway Tuesday morning, prompting authorities to close all lanes of the freeway.

By 9:30 a.m., the two right lanes of the northbound freeway remained closed at Vermont Avenue, causing a 5-mile backup through downtown LA to Cesar Chavez Avenue, according to a Sigalert.

The crash was reported at around 5:15 a.m. near the Vermont Avenue exit, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash involved three vehicles — including a big rig that spilled fuel, which was later cleaned up, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Two people were injured in the crash. A man in his mid 30s was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a minor injury, according to the LAFD.

Another injured person was not transported, KTLA reported.

Video aired by KTLA showed crews clearing a jackknifed tractor trailer and a small vehicle, which appeared to have caught fire.

All lanes of the freeway were initially shut down. As of 9:30 a.m., two right lanes remained closed. Traffic was being diverted off the northbound freeway at Alvarado Street. Motorists were told to follow a detour westbound on Alvarado to Beverly Boulevard, then to northbound Normandie Avenue to the 101 Freeway onramp.

Drivers were told to expect delays of up to an hour.