LOS ANGELES, CA – Two individuals lost their lives and three others were hospitalized following a multi-vehicle collision caused by a wrong-way driver on the 134 Freeway in Pasadena, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The fatal incident occurred on Sunday morning at approximately 8:10 a.m. near the westbound lanes at North San Rafael Avenue. Authorities reported that a vehicle entered the freeway traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes after apparently using the San Rafael Avenue off-ramp.
The crash involved at least four vehicles, including a white sedan, a silver minivan, and two other unidentified vehicles. The force of the collision caused one of the vehicles to burst into flames, adding to the chaos of the scene. Emergency crews were dispatched immediately, but two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the deceased has been identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office as 31-year-old William Yost. The identity of the second victim has not yet been released.
Three additional individuals sustained injuries in the collision and were transported to nearby hospitals. The extent of their injuries remains unknown, and authorities have not provided updates on their conditions.
The crash caused significant traffic congestion in the area, particularly affecting the Colorado Street Bridge and surrounding thoroughfares. A Sigalert was issued at 8:34 a.m., resulting in the closure of the westbound lanes of the freeway at Orange Grove Boulevard. The closure remained in effect for several hours as investigators worked at the scene and crews cleared debris, with the alert lifted around 1:08 p.m.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are examining whether impairment, distracted driving, or other factors may have contributed to the driver’s decision to enter the freeway in the wrong direction.
Officials are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Altadena office.
