One Dead In Fiery Big Rig Crash On 5 Freeway Near Los Feliz, Most Lanes Remain Closed [Updated]

A multi-vehicle crash on the southbound 5 Freeway by Los Feliz has left one person dead and nine injured, one critically, reports Fox 11.

The incident, which took place just north of Los Feliz Boulevard, was first reported at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the L.A. Times.

The crash involved at least four vehicles. Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department told Fox 11 that, according to a preliminary report, a pickup truck on the northbound lanes had lost control and went through the center divider, and had possibly hit a big rig or caused it to crash and catch on fire. Ultimately, two big rigs and two other vehicles were involved, with one of the vehicles becoming stuck underneath one of the big rigs.

Karina Vargas, a public information officer with Caltrans, told LAist that all lanes on both the northbound and southbound lanes were closed on the 5 Freeway in that area. City News Service reports that two northbound slow lanes were reopened just after noon to allow traffic through, but that they could be closed again as crews work to clear the scene. Other lanes will likely remain closed for much of the afternoon.

[Update: 3:17 p.m.]

Vargas told LAist that the southbound lanes are still closed, and that it's unknown when they will open again. She added that three lanes are now open on the northbound side. According to one CBS reporter, California Highway Patrol says that the southbound lanes may be closed through the evening:

LAist called the Altadena CHP station to confirm, but no one was able to provide comment.