LOS ANGELES, CA – A wrong-way driver on the 405 Freeway in Sherman Oaks caused a fatal collision early Tuesday morning, leaving one person dead and two others injured, authorities said.
The crash occurred after the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received multiple reports of a driver traveling in the wrong direction on the freeway near Skirball Center Drive. Officers were dispatched to locate the vehicle, but before they could intervene, the driver had made their way into the San Fernando Valley. The vehicle then collided head-on with another car in the carpool lane near the Valley Vista Boulevard exit.
Following the impact, several good Samaritans rushed to assist those involved, attempting to pull individuals from the wreckage and administering CPR before emergency responders arrived.
CHP officers at the scene attempted lifesaving measures on the wrong-way driver, but they were ultimately pronounced dead. Officials have not yet released their identity pending notification of next of kin.
The second driver, identified as a resident of Kern County, was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not provided an update on their current status. A third person sustained injuries, though their condition was not immediately disclosed.
As a result of the crash, all southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway were initially shut down while investigators examined the scene and crews worked to clear debris. By 6:30 a.m., two lanes had reopened, but traffic remained backed up for miles. Congestion extended not only on the freeway but also along Sepulveda Boulevard, with authorities advising commuters to use alternate routes such as Mulholland Drive. All lanes were fully reopened by 9:41 a.m.
GOOD NEWS! CHP OFFICERS HAVE CLEARED THE ROADWAY. THE SIGALERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED IN SHERMAN OAKS: SB I-405 NORTH OF VALLEY VISTA BLVD. ALL LANES ARE NOW OPEN. THANK YOU TO ALL DRIVERS FOR STAYING SAFE ON THE ROAD. #SIGALERT #TRAFFICSAFETY@CHPsouthern @CHPWestValley
— CHP_LA_TRAFFIC (@CHP_LA_TRAFFIC) February 11, 2025
Investigators are now working to determine whether impairment played a role in the crash, though no official cause has been confirmed. The investigation remains ongoing.
