LOS ANGELES, CA – At least one person was killed and two occupants were ejected after a vehicle crashed off the southbound 5 Freeway in Anaheim early Thursday, forcing lane closures and creating significant delays during the morning commute.
The single-vehicle collision was reported at about 3:15 a.m. near Lincoln Avenue, according to information from the California Highway Patrol incident log provided with the initial report.
Four people were inside the vehicle.
Investigators preliminarily believe the driver may have missed an exit before the vehicle left the freeway and crashed approximately 15 feet down an embankment.
Two occupants were ejected during the collision, according to CHP.
Authorities confirmed that at least one person died as a result of the crash.
The identity of the person who died had not been publicly released in the initial information.
Conditions of Other Occupants Remain Unclear
Officials did not immediately provide medical updates on the three other people who had been inside the vehicle.
It is therefore unclear whether either of the two people who were ejected survived with serious injuries or whether the remaining occupants required hospitalization.
Authorities also have not said where the occupants were seated inside the vehicle or whether seat belt use is being investigated.
The source material does not identify the vehicle make or model.
Cause of Crash Still Under Investigation
Although investigators initially believed the vehicle may have missed an exit, authorities had not announced a final cause of the collision.
No information was immediately available about whether speed, impairment, fatigue, distraction or a mechanical problem contributed.
There was also no indication in the initial report that another vehicle was involved.
The California Highway Patrol generally investigates freeway collisions involving serious injury or death and works to determine the sequence of events through roadway evidence, vehicle damage and witness information.
In this case, the crash scene extended beyond the travel lanes because the vehicle came to rest down the embankment.
Two Southbound Lanes Closed
The crash significantly affected southbound traffic through Anaheim.
A SigAlert was issued for the closure of two southbound lanes, according to the information provided.
Traffic delays stretched back toward the 91 Freeway as commuters encountered the reduced capacity.
The lane closures were expected to remain in effect until at least 7 a.m.
Authorities did not immediately announce whether the closure could extend beyond that estimate.
Investigation Continues
Several important details remained unavailable early Thursday, including:
- the identities and ages of those involved;
- the condition of the surviving occupants;
- whether seat belts were being used;
- the vehicle’s estimated speed;
- whether drugs or alcohol were suspected;
- and the exact sequence that caused the vehicle to leave the freeway.
No arrest or citation was announced.
The crash remains under investigation.
