At a Glance
- A multi-vehicle crash involving a big rig closed all northbound lanes of the 101 Freeway near Vermont Avenue at 5 a.m. Tuesday
- One person sustained minor injuries and fuel spilled from the truck, according to the LAFD
- Two lanes reopened around 8 a.m., but drivers faced hours of major backups
- Why it matters: Morning commuters into Hollywood faced extensive delays and detours during peak travel time
A predawn collision between a big rig and other vehicles paralyzed a key stretch of the 101 Freeway in East Hollywood Tuesday, sending one person to the hospital with minor injuries and triggering a hazardous fuel spill.
The crash erupted at about 5 a.m. just south of Vermont Avenue, forcing the California Highway Patrol to close every northbound lane through the corridor. Traffic cameras showed a crumpled big rig wedged against the center divider with diesel fuel pooling across the asphalt.
Marcus L. Bennett reported for News Of Losangeles that the closure triggered an immediate traffic nightmare, with vehicles backed up for miles as sunrise approached.
Crash Response and Cleanup
Los Angeles Fire Department crews raced to the scene to contain the fuel leak and assess potential environmental damage. Officials confirmed that diesel had leaked from the truck’s ruptured tanks, though no ignition or fire occurred.
“Fuel spilled from the big rig,” an LAFD spokesperson told News Of Losangeles, without specifying the exact volume released.
Hazmat teams spread absorbent material across the roadway while a heavy-duty tow truck worked to upright the damaged tractor-trailer. The process required careful coordination to avoid sparks near the spilled fuel.
Traffic Impact
The full closure turned the morning commute into a parking lot. Navigation apps flashed red warnings as drivers searched for alternate routes:
- Northbound traffic diverted at Melrose Avenue
- Southbound lanes remained open but moved slowly due to onlooker delays
- Surface streets including Vermont Avenue, Western Avenue, and Normandie Avenue absorbed overflow
- Metro buses reported 15- to 25-minute delays on parallel routes
By 6:30 a.m., the backup extended past the 101’s junction with the 110 Freeway, snarling drivers from downtown to Hollywood. Social media filled with images of standstill traffic and commuters walking between stalled cars.
Investigation Underway
California Highway Patrol officers documented skid marks and vehicle positions under portable floodlights. Details about what caused the crash remained scarce in the immediate aftermath.
“Details about what led to the crash involving a big rig were not immediately available,” Marcus L. Bennett noted in the News Of Losangeles report.
Investigators planned to review surveillance footage from Caltrans cameras and nearby businesses. They will also examine the truck’s electronic control module for speed and braking data.
Lane Reopening Timeline
Around 8 a.m., Caltrans crews removed the final barricades and reopened two northbound lanes. The remaining lanes stayed closed while workers finished removing debris and inspecting the roadway for structural damage.
Drivers reported that traffic began moving, though speeds remained well below the normal 65 mph limit. The partial reopening eased congestion but did not restore normal flow.
Victim and Injury Details
City News Service, cited by News Of Losangeles, confirmed that at least one person sustained injuries in the collision. Emergency responders transported the individual to a local hospital with what officials classified as minor injuries.
No other injuries were reported among the involved drivers or passengers. The big rig driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Key Takeaways
- The 101 Freeway serves as a critical artery between downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley
- Even a single-vehicle incident can paralyze the entire corridor during peak hours
- Quick response by LAFD hazmat teams prevented environmental contamination
- Commuters should monitor Caltrans and CHP alerts for real-time lane status updates
Authorities urged drivers to build extra time into Wednesday morning commutes as residual delays and ongoing investigation activity could continue to affect the Vermont Avenue on-ramp area.
