Big Rig Explodes On 405 Freeway, 4-Vehicle Crash Backlogs Traffic

COSTA MESA, CA — A four-vehicle crash on the California State route 405 freeway traveling southbound resulted in numerous injuries and severe traffic jams on the freeway Wednesday afternoon.

At least four people were injured in the crash, authorities said. The incident was initially reported at 12:28 p.m. on the freeway near the State Route 55 freeway junction in Costa Mesa, by Red Hill Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Reports notified CHP officers of an overturned big rig on the freeway. According to reports, three other vehicles were involved in the crash and several vehicles, including the semi-truck, caught on fire and exploded on the freeway.

The crash prompted authorities to issue a SigAlert and shut down several lanes of the freeway, resulting in backlogged traffic on the junction for hours Wednesday. The SigAlert was issued at 12:45 p.m., and as of 3:16 p.m., one lane of the freeway had been reopened.

Authorities advised residents to steer clear of the scene while the SigAlert is in place.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.