HAWTHORNE, CA – A wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway caused a fatal multi-vehicle crash early Tuesday in Hawthorne, leaving one person dead and forcing an hours-long closure, authorities said.
According to information provided by the California Highway Patrol, the incident began around 12:50 a.m. when officers received reports of a black sedan traveling the wrong way near Imperial Highway. The vehicle was reportedly moving southbound in the northbound lanes at speeds of up to 80 mph.
About one minute later, an officer confirmed that a collision had occurred just south of Rosecrans Avenue.
Authorities said the crash involved multiple vehicles. One vehicle was left disabled in the HOV lane, while another came to rest on the right shoulder and caught fire after the impact.
Video from the scene showed significant wreckage along the shoulder of the freeway, with at least two damaged vehicles visible as emergency crews responded. An ambulance was also seen leaving the area with red lights flashing.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, officials confirmed. The victim’s identity has not been released pending notification of relatives.
Investigators have not identified the driver of the wrong-way vehicle, and it remains unclear whether alcohol, drugs, or a medical emergency played a role in the incident.
Authorities have also not confirmed which vehicle the person who died was traveling in, or whether anyone else suffered injuries in the crash.
The crash prompted a full closure of the northbound 405 Freeway for several hours while investigators worked at the scene and crews cleared the wreckage. All lanes reopened around 5:20 a.m.
The investigation remains ongoing.
