Southbound 710 Freeway Shut Down For Multiple Semi Crash
All southbound lanes of the 710 Freeway in Long Beach were shut down after a multi-vehicle crash involving at least three semi trucks.
3 big rigs collide on 710 Freeway in Long Beach; southbound lanes closed https://t.co/1Aao5iQPDN pic.twitter.com/8Jc1kX48jr
— KTLA (@KTLA) August 24, 2016
The crash was reported around 12:30 a.m. near the junction of I-405.
710 freeway southbound in Long Beach closed due to multi big rig crash. https://t.co/BxwMUAUbzE pic.twitter.com/qK8O6MW5gI
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) August 24, 2016
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but the California Highway Patrol says that speed was a factor: “There was traffic slowing for an unknown reason at this time. The first truck involved was stopped, at least that’s the statement we’re getting, and the other vehicles came up and couldn’t slow down to stop behind them.”
Crash Involving 3 Big Rigs Snarls Traffic On 710 Freeway In Long Beach – CBS Local https://t.co/DK7CBRhhu8 pic.twitter.com/uK5bmrLxYJ
— Akilah Barbo (@Akilah_Barbo) August 24, 2016
According to on scene reports, the drivers of the first and second truck that collided had to be extracted by rescue crews. The driver of the third truck was able to exit the vehicle under his own power.
The driver of the second truck was transported to the hospital and is being treated for critical injuries.
The closure has caused traffic to be backed up for miles. Transportation officials say that they should have the 710 Freeway open soon.
CalTrans crews hope to have the SB 710 back open by 7:30am. Details on #abc7pic.twitter.com/4XIffaWbS4
— John Gregory (@abc7johngregory) August 24, 2016
Sources:
ABC 7
The LA Times
The Washington Times
Press-Telegram